European private equity firm Bridgepoint has acquired Global Design Technologies from Stirling Square Capital Partners in a transaction worth $343 million. GDT makes permanent couplings used to connect hydraulic, fuel, air and other tubing in all types of aircraft.

Formed in January 2005 through the combination of Deutsch Metal Component of the U.S. and Permaswage of France following simultaneous management buyouts by Stirling Square Capital, it has operations in Les Clayes-sous-Bois, southwest of Paris, and in Gardena, California.