Clayens acquires Vision Systems, saving 210 aerospace jobs near Lyon
What's the deal? French industrial group Clayens has acquired the aeronautics activities of Gauzy SAS and its subsidiary Vision SystemsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, based in Brignais in the Rhône. The Lyon commercial court named Clayens as the buyer on May 19, 2026. Terms were not disclosed.
What does Vision Systems do? It has been a reference player in cockpit sunlight-protection systems for more than 30 years, positioning it as a leader in that market. It also makes cabin solar-protection solutions for business and commercial aviation, plus jettisonable framed glazing for helicopters.
Why now? The takeover follows the court-ordered receivership of Vision Systems and two other French Gauzy subsidiaries in November 2025. The tribunal favoured Clayens over a bid from fund Orion Infrastructure CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, prioritising the solidity of an industrial buyer. Airbus and ATRDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → reportedly preferred that kind of solution to ensure continuity and product compliance.
What changes? The deal safeguards 210 jobs — all of the aeronautics workforce — though that is only part of the 376 posts at the Brignais site. Priority goes to keeping current industrial and commercial operations running.
What's the endgame? Clayens, already a supplier to Airbus, Dassault AviationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Safran, Collins AerospaceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, MBDA, and KNDS, strengthens its Aerospace & Defence business and its Clayens Aerospace brand, launched last year. "Our priority is simple: ensure the continuity of activities, preserve existing skills, and build the next steps together," said Eric Pisani, president of Clayens (translated from French).
The signal: The deal is both a significant industrial rescue and a strategic acquisition. By choosing an established industrial buyer over a financial fund, the court and major planemakers signalled a preference for continuity in a highly regulated aerospace supply chain.
Read more: leprogres.fr
Image credit: Defence Images
