EL7.AI
Mergers & AcquisitionsMedium•23 October 2026•
3 min read

Gooch & Housego Acquisition Completed, Shares Delisted from AIM

Key Facts

1The acquisition was completed on October 16, 2026.
2Shareholders became entitled to 1,230 pence in cash for each share, with settlement due within no more than 14 days from the scheme’s effective date.
3Gooch & Housego’s shares were delisted from AIM with effect from October 19, 2026.
4Blackstone shares closed at $118.75 on October 22, 2026.

Arlington Capital Partners and Greenlight Bidco completed their acquisition of Gooch & Housego on October 16, 2026, ending the UK company’s transition to private ownership. The deal was announced on July 16 as a recommended cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital. Following the scheme of arrangement taking effect, trading in the company’s shares on AIM ceased, and their admission to trading was cancelled from October 19. Gooch & Housego produces photonics and optical components and systems for the aerospace, defence, industrial and life sciences sectors. Separately from the deal, Blackstone shares closed at $118.75 on October 22, according to EL7 data.

The July agreement provided for shareholders to receive cash consideration, funded by an equity contribution from ACP. The announcement said Greenlight Bidco’s financial adviser had confirmed that sufficient resources were available to pay the full consideration. Under the terms of the scheme of arrangement, shareholders on the register at the specified record time became entitled to 1,230 pence in cash for each share. Settlement was scheduled to be completed within no more than 14 days from the scheme’s effective date.

The completion was preceded by a shareholder vote on August 26, 2026, when the required majority of scheme shareholders approved the proposal at the court meeting and the resolution relating to its implementation was passed. On October 14, the court sanctioned the scheme of arrangement. The company said it would take effect once a copy of the court order was delivered to the registrar of companies, with delivery expected on October 16. The deal thus moved from approvals to implementation, followed by the suspension of dealings and cancellation of the AIM listing. This sequence sets out the milestones leading to completion of the acquisition before the shares left the market.

Gooch & Housego manufactures photonics and optical components and systems serving the aerospace, defence, industrial and life sciences markets. Arlington said the company employs around 1,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Ilminster, UK. Arlington plans to expand manufacturing capacity at the company’s existing sites at its centres of excellence in the United States and United Kingdom. Chief Executive Charlie Peppiatt said becoming a private company gives it “greater flexibility to invest in people, technology and manufacturing capabilities,” as well as to pursue strategic acquisitions on a broader scale. This places manufacturing expansion and investment in capabilities among the company’s stated plans following the acquisition.