Acorn Growth Companies

Acorn Growth Companies, based in Oklahoma City, is a private equity firm established in 2005 that specializes in aerospace and defense investments. With a focus on mid-market opportunities, the firm employs an operationally centric approach that has led to significant value creation in its portfolio. Acorn manages over $200 million and has expanded its holdings across the United States and internationally. Its primary focus is under the banner of AGC Aerospace & Defense, reflecting its commitment to the aerospace and defense sectors while also engaging in investments across financial services, industrial, manufacturing, business services, and technology companies.

Greg Agnew

Partner

Brandon Bradford

Partner

Jeff Davis

Founding Partner, Advisor & Board Member

Robert Hinaman

Senior Partner

Jeff Morton

Senior Partner and Chief Financial Officer

Rick Nagel

Owner, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

Matthew Ritchie

Managing Director

Nikela Sappleton

Associate, Investor Relations

Laura Siegal

Partner and Executive Vice President, Finance

Darryl Wilkerson

Senior Partner

8 past transactions

aerospares 2000

Acquisition in 2019
Aerospares 2000 Ltd. supplies aircraft spare-parts. The company was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Watford, United Kingdom with other locations in Singapore; and Doral, Florida.

Robbins-Gioia

Acquisition in 2019
Robbins-Gioia, LLC is a management and technology consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 1980. The company specializes in program and IT management, offering a range of consulting services that include enterprise delivery, system modernization, program management, and business analysis. It also provides advanced scheduling solutions through its proprietary suite of software tools, known as the Jaguar Family of Advanced Scheduling Tools (JFAST), which supports mission-critical activities for various sectors, including defense, national security, and civilian markets. Robbins-Gioia serves diverse industries such as financial services, transportation, technology, and energy. The company has established strategic partnerships with organizations like Microsoft and SAP, enhancing its service offerings. With additional locations across the United States, Robbins-Gioia is committed to helping organizations optimize performance and achieve significant improvements in time, cost, and quality.

Black Sage Technologies

Acquisition in 2019
Black Sage Technologies Inc. specializes in the development, integration, and deployment of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) solutions. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the company focuses on providing advanced defense technology aimed at neutralizing threats posed by unauthorized drones and other remote-piloted aircraft. Its autonomous defense systems incorporate a range of sensors, effectors, and machine intelligence tools designed to detect, identify, and counteract aerial threats. Black Sage's solutions are tailored for critical infrastructure protection, internal security, and civil defense, enabling organizations to ensure safety and security in diverse operational environments. The company's name reflects its roots and mission, drawing inspiration from the resilience of the black sage plant in harsh climates, symbolizing knowledge, discretion, and wisdom in defense operations.

DIMO Corp.

Acquisition in 2019
DIMO Corp. distributes critical parts and higher-level assemblies for air, land, and naval forces. It offers military and commercial aircraft parts, higher level assemblies, in-flight refueling, life support, cryocooling systems, and oil and gas, as well as spare parts. It also provides equipment services. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in New Castle, Delaware.

Berry Aviation

Acquisition in 2018
Berry Aviation, Inc. is a prominent provider of private aviation services globally, headquartered in San Marcos, Texas. Established in 1983, the company specializes in a range of mobility and transport services, including passenger and cargo transport, aerial delivery, on-demand cargo services, and short take-off and landing operations. Additionally, Berry Aviation offers maintenance solutions such as wheel and brakes, hydraulic products, landing gears, and flight controls, as well as non-destructive testing services. The company also delivers fixed base operator services, which encompass line services and concierge offerings. With a commitment to safety and quality, Berry Aviation aims to provide innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of its customers in the aerospace sector.

CIS Secure Computing

Acquisition in 2017
CIS Secure Computing, Inc. designs and manufactures computing and communication solutions for government and commercial customers. It offers computing products, such as network storage devices, computers, laptops, desktop PCs, tower workstations, and smart card readers; and cosmic products, including multi-CODEC switches, family rack mounts, rear connector conversion panels, network isolation switches, dual IP network isolation switches, dial isolators, secure network switch accessories, and secure communications travel cases. Its customers include organizations within the defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security communities whose missions depend heavily on their ability to communicate and exchange information in a secure manner and to operate in challenging physical environments. The company was founded in 1992 and is based in Ashburn, Virginia.

Raisbeck Engineering

Acquisition in 2016
Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. designs, develops, and markets performance improvement systems for business and commercial jet-powered aircraft. It provides quiet turbofan propellers, ram air recovery systems, enhanced performance leading edges, dual aft body strakes, high flotation gear doors, nacelle and crown wing lockers, and fuselage lockers. Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. was founded in 1973 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Aerospheres (UK)

Acquisition in 2015
Aerospheres (UK) Ltd, established in 1991, is a successful UK based company which takes pride in serving the airline industry with all of its material requirements. Aerospheres (UK) Ltd specialises in the supply of chemicals for aircraft maintenance, including sealants, adhesives, lubricants, coatings and composite repair materials. We serve over 350 airlines and maintenance outlets around the world. The Aerospheres concept focuses on delivering difficult aircraft maintenance and construction materials to the aviation industry in the UK, Europe, Middle East, the Gulf, Asia the Far East, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North & South America.