Gardner Standard LLC announced the acquisition of Shadin, L.P. d.b.a Shadin Avionics (“Shadin Avionics”) from The Wright Group.
Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Shadin Avionics maintains a rich history of designing, manufacturing, and providing support services for fuel flow systems, engine trend monitoring, altitude management systems, air data computers and other instrumentation for turbine, piston and rotor aircraft for the military, general and corporate aviation markets. More recently, Shadin has redefined itself as a global leader in aviation electronics (avionics) integration and data management solutions with its Avionics Interface Systems (“AIS”) and new Volta product lines. These products simplify aircraft modernization and will support future generations of conventional and electric aircraft.
AIS customizable data convertors utilize microprocessor-based electronics and proprietary configurable converter platform software to enable aircraft systems to seamlessly communicate. AIS products have been installed on aircraft ranging from military C-130 Hercules, CH-47 Chinook and A-10 Warthog to Textron Aviation’s King Air and Bell’s 412 helicopter. AIS products also have been installed on systems for Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft.
The new Volta Series is a software-free product line that complements the highly successful AIS product line and is designed to address the expanding network of aircraft sensors and systems. As a plug-and-play solution, Volta products enable new cockpit technology to monitor sensors or switches throughout the aircraft through distributed architecture without costly upgrades to primary aircraft systems.
Led by CEO Daniel Nelson, Shadin Avionics is growing rapidly and is well-positioned to continue that success with its recent move to a state-of-the-art 20,000 square foot design and manufacturing facility in Eden Prairie. “I value and appreciate The Wright Group’s support during its ownership for the last 16 years. I would specifically like to thank the late Mr. Robert Wright for believing in our business and enabling us to build the infrastructure necessary for our success to date and the growth we expect to achieve going forward,” said Mr. Nelson. “At the same time, we are eager to join forces with the great team at Gardner Standard. Combined with the strong Shadin management team and a valuable product portfolio, we anticipate an exciting journey ahead.”
Michael Healy, Managing Member of Gardner Standard, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Dan and the other members of the Shadin team. The combination of Shadin’s proprietary technology and engineering expertise helps customers modernize aircraft quickly and efficiently. We are excited to see what the Shadin team accomplishes in the years ahead.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Shadin Avionics
Shadin Avionics is an acknowledged industry leader for flight worthy data collection and data conversion products for all types of aircraft. The Shadin Avionics family of FAA certified AIS and Volta data converters enable a quick and valuable response to an ever-present demand for unique flight worthy data conversion applications on aircraft. Since 1978, Shadin Avionics has specialized in the design, manufacture, support and distribution of Avionics Interface Systems (AIS), Fuel Flow Systems, Engine Trend Monitoring (ETM), Altitude Management Systems, Air Data Computers (ADC) and other instrumentation for turbine, piston and rotor aircraft for the military, general and corporate aviation markets. For more information, please visit www.shadin.com.
About Gardner Standard
Gardner Standard is a private investment firm that invests in small middle-market companies and traces its origin to a Minnesota-based, family-run business founded in 1884. Gardner Standard considers investments in a wide variety of market segments, including manufacturing, aerospace & defense, industrial services and engineered industrial products. The fundamentals of a business, particularly its growth prospects and competitive position, are Gardner Standard’s focus rather than a specific market segment. In addition to traditional private equity investments, Gardner Standard targets opportunistic investments in high-quality operating businesses with low-quality balance sheets.
For more information, please visit www.gardnerstandard.com.
