Our approach > Case studies > ADB Safegate

The partner of choice for airports in airfield visual guidance

175

Countries

2,000

Airports served

Worldwide

ADB Safegate overview

Key facts

Sector

Industrial Goods & Services

Headquarters

Belgium

Investment date

May 2013

Ownership

100%

Exit date

October 2017

Learn More

ADB Safegate is the world leader in airfield visual guidance systems, a resilient niche market benefitting from global air traffic growth.

ln May 2013, PAI was selected as the most credible partner to acquire ADB, then the global leader in Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL). This was underpinned by the Firm’s experience in airport-related services through Swissport and The Nuance Group, as well as the trust-based relationships the team had developed with management.

The investment was driven by the conviction that ADB could accelerate its growth by leveraging its technology leadership in the attractive AGL market, characterised by robust underlying growth drivers and high barriers to entry.

Within four years, ADB was transformed from a niche specialist into a partner of choice for airports worldwide. Through a series of strategic acquisitions, the business broadened its offering to deliver a full suite of visual guidance solutions to more than 200 customers in 175 countries.

How ADB was transformed

Under PAl’s ownership, ADB entered a new phase of development, accelerating growth in the US and emerging markets, alongside its first add-on acquisition, Lucebit.

ln 2016, ADB acquired Safegate, doubling in size and bringing together two highly complementary market leaders. This strategic acquisition combined ADB’s global footprint with Safegate’s expertise in docking guidance systems and air traffic control software, enabling the group to expand its product offering and global reach.

“ADB and Safegate have joined forces. Together we have the power to create a great future for airports all over the world” – Christian Onselaere, CEO ADB Safegate

An attractive underlying market

ABD Safegate operates in a market supported by strong structural tailwinds, with passenger growth of c. 5% per annum and increasing adoption of docking guidance systems.

Airports today are presented with complex challenges. Continued growth in air traffic is driving the need for innovative solutions to improve their throughput.

ADB Safegate addresses these challenges with its complete suite of visual guidance products and software, helping airports manage congestion and enhance operational performance.

12bn

Passengers by 2030

Integrated technology solutions for airports

Following the acquisition of Safegate, ADB expanded its product portfolio with the addition of docking guidance systems and air traffic control software. Leveraging its expertise in complex project management, the group developed a fully integrated solutions offering.

This “one-stop shop” approach allows ADB Safegate to engage directly with airport CEOs and COOs to solve their critical safety and congestion challenges. The group is uniquely positioned as the only provider offering a complete airfield visual guidance solution, from landing to parking, combining airfield lights, docking systems and control tower software.

At the time of PAI’s exit, the group was the undisputed leader in Airfield Ground Lighting and Docking Guidance Systems. In October 2017, ADB Safegate was sold to The Carlyle Group.

260

Tower solutions deployed

7,000

Docking installations

100

Integration projects at airports