El Segundo-based Fastener Distribution Holdings, doing business as FDH Aero, acquired Unical Defense Inc. in the City of Industry on undisclosed terms.
 
“We believe that bringing (Unical) into the FDH family complements and accelerates our broader strategic priority of growth in the global defense aftermarket,” Chief Executive Scott Tucker said in a statement. “This acquisition further reinforces our commitment to high-touch customer service and expands our supplier partnership strategy.”

FDH, founded in 2007 as a parent company for Arlington International Aviation Products in Texas and Aircraft Fasteners International in Monterey Park, distributes aerospace hardware, replacement parts and chemicals to commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers, subcontractors and commercial airlines. San Francisco-
based Housatonic Partners provided the equity capital to finance the acquisition of AIAP and AFI, and in 2017 sold its stake in FDH to Audax Group in Boston.

Unical Defense started as a military division of Unical Aviation Inc., a City of Industry-
based supplier of new and refurbished aircraft parts and services. The division spun off in 2015.
 
“FDH is an ideal fit for (Unical) as we continue to grow and invest in the business,” said Alice Zhang, who was vice president at Unical Defense and will serve in a similar role at FDH’s Aftermarket Defense division. “With the strength of FDH’s existing inventory and long-term supplier OEM relationships, UDI will be able to broaden its ability to serve U.S. and international customers while maintaining the same level of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us.”

Unical Aviation and its other affiliates, including Unical Maintenance, Repair and Operation; Unical 145 and Unical Aero, were acquired by Beverly Hills-based Platinum Equity in July.

The Unical Defense deal is FDH’s 10th acquisition, according to the company.
In October, FHD picked up Stealth Aerospace Inc., a Canoga Park-based distributor of aerospace electrical and electro-mechanical components, and in September it acquired Madison Aerospace Inc., in Haltom City, Texas, which specializes in aerospace hardware. Both companies retained their management and name.

FDH operates nine facilities in six countries, including Brazil, China, Poland Germany and Australia.