Dutch textile technology business TenCate has acquired Swindon-based defence company AML for £10 million.

AML specialises in producing vehicle armour for the defence sector. TenCate currently supplies armour to the Ministry of Defence and is looking to extend its position in the UK market.

James Purves, managing director of AML UK, says that the deal will enable the company to participate in large tenders for defence projects as well as generating production and technology synergies.

In the nine months to September 2009, TenCate reported sales of €656.4 million (£573.3 million) and net profits of €25.2 million (£22 million).