Investment Supports Further Expansion of Premier Cockpit Smoke Displacement Provider
The Stephens Group, LLC (“Stephens Group”) has concluded a significant strategic investment in VisionSafe, LLC (“VisionSafe” or the “Company”), aiming to expedite the business’s growth trajectory. This investment underscores Stephens Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting enterprises offering highly engineered, mission-critical systems and components for aerospace and defense applications. VisionSafe will serve as a fresh platform for Stephens Group.
“We are enthusiastic about collaborating with the Stephens Group and utilizing their expertise and dedication to the aerospace and defense market. This strategic investment will enable us to enhance research and development, as well as customer support, thereby accelerating the realization of our strategic goals.”
Established thirty-four years ago by Bertil Werjefelt, VisionSafe, headquartered in Kaneohe, is a front-runner in supplying proprietary cockpit smoke displacement systems. The company specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing these systems, alongside providing maintenance, inspection, and service for its products. VisionSafe boasts a robust portfolio of supplemental type certificates, encompassing over 120 aircraft models.
“At VisionSafe, our objective is to pioneer innovative, industry-leading products designed to safeguard against cockpit smoke incidents,” remarked MaryAnn Omerod, Chief Operating Officer of VisionSafe. “We are thrilled to partner with the Stephens Group, tapping into their experience and commitment to the aerospace and defense sector. This strategic investment will empower us to expand our research and development initiatives, bolster customer support, and accelerate the fulfillment of our strategic vision.”
In collaboration with the Stephens Group team, VisionSafe will concentrate on strengthening the company’s research and development, platform certification, and sales and marketing endeavors while exploring beneficial add-on acquisitions.
Jack Nadal, Managing Director at The Stephens Group, commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with the VisionSafe team and the Werjefelt family on this investment poised for growth. VisionSafe, prioritizing safety above all, has garnered a remarkable reputation in the cockpit smoke displacement market. Their unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and customer support has positioned them as leaders in the field, with installations on numerous business, cargo, and passenger aircraft. We are excited about the business’s growth prospects and are committed to supporting VisionSafe as we pursue organic and inorganic growth opportunities.”
Alderman & Company acted as the exclusive financial advisor to VisionSafe for this transaction.
About VisionSafe Corporation:
VisionSafe Corporation provides highly engineered aircraft cockpit smoke displacement systems for various aircraft categories, including business, cargo, passenger, government, and others. The company’s flagship product, the Emergency Vision Assurance System (EVAS), safeguards pilots’ vision during situations involving dense, blinding cockpit smoke, enabling them to safely control and land the aircraft.
About The Stephens Group, LLC:
The Stephens Group, LLC is a private investment firm that collaborates with talented management teams to cultivate valuable businesses. Supported by the resources of the Witt Stephens, Jr. and Elizabeth Campbell families, the firm merges the operational expertise of a private equity firm with the flexibility offered by long-term capital. With over $2 billion of private equity assets under management, the firm boasts a rich history of providing informed, sophisticated expertise and partnering with owners and managers to realize their strategic visions and build enduring value. Since 2006, Stephens Group has invested in over 50 companies, targeting investments across various U.S. industries, including industrial and commercial products and services, specialty distribution, and vertical software.
