2025-10-21
By So-hyun Kwon, Reporter
Alpha Aero and Gravity PE Sign Agreement to Fully Acquire Stake
30 Years of Expertise in Defense and Aerospace Surface Treatment
Synergy Expected with ASTK, a Subsidiary Specialized in Aircraft Component Manufacturing
[Edaily Market In, So-hyun Kwon] Alpha Aero LLC., the largest shareholder of aircraft component manufacturer ASTK (067390), announced on the 21st that it has signed a contract with Gravity PE to acquire 100% of the shares of Aero Cotec.
Aero Cotec is a company specializing in surface treatment for defense and aerospace components. It holds over 700 domestic and international certifications, including 34 NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) certifications in the international aerospace sector. As such, it is the only company in Korea capable of handling all metal special coating processes using metallic film and painting technologies. With the aircraft manufacturing industry growing at an annual rate of over 15%, Aero Cotec has nearly completed proactive investments in facility expansion and process certifications.
Notably, in the aerospace field, the company possesses all the relevant certifications required by global aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. It has secured orders for a variety of processes, including OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production for aircraft. Domestically, it has earned recognition for its capabilities by handling the surface treatment of Korea’s indigenous fighter jet, the KF-21 “Boramae.”
As of the end of last year, Aero Cotec recorded approximately KRW 53.4 billion (USD 39 million) in revenue, KRW 6.9 billion (USD 5 million) in operating profit, and KRW 5.4 billion (USD 4 million) in net income, achieving a double-digit profit margin as a technologically advanced small enterprise.
With Alpha Aero’s full acquisition of Aero Cotec’s shares, significant business synergy is anticipated with ASTK, another subsidiary specialized in aircraft components. ASTK has established itself as a top-tier global aircraft parts manufacturer, producing complex components such as the aircraft rear fuselage. Since last year, it has also entered the domestic defense sector, beginning with the military transport aircraft C-390.
Now that Aero Cotec has become a subsidiary of Alpha Aero, which is also ASTK’s largest shareholder, the two companies are expected to collaborate in reducing production costs and enhancing product competitiveness through advanced defense and aerospace surface treatment technologies. Furthermore, Aero Cotec could help bolster ASTK’s expansion into the defense industry, where it is still in the early stages.
ASTK, in addition to its work with Boeing, maintains partnerships with global aircraft manufacturers such as Embraer and is expanding into fields such as passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft conversions. Collaboration with Aero Cotec is expected to create mutual benefits by expanding supplier networks and diversifying business portfolios.
The parent company of Alpha Aero, United Asset Management Corporation (UAMCO), is also strengthening its presence in the shipbuilding and aerospace sectors by enhancing its portfolio of affiliated companies. Analysts suggest that inter-subsidiary synergies may serve as momentum for revaluation of each company’s value alongside their respective growth trajectories.