BBA Aviation, the UK owner of the Signature Flight Support fixed base operator (FBO) chain, is seeking shareholder approval to acquire Landmark Aviation from the Carlyle Group for around $2.1 billion.
If approved, the deal will represent the largest acquisition in the history of the business aviation services industry. It will also mark BBA’s first foray in to the business aircraft charter and management sector.
Houston, Texas-headquartered Landmark has a fleet of 110 business jets and turboprops in North America and Europe. The fleet recorded more than 15,000 flying hours last year, the company says.
Landmark's portfolio also includes 68 FBOs across the two continents – including at Teterboro New Jersey, Paris Le Bourget and London Luton – and 11 maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
BBA chief executive Simon Pryce says the acquisition will “deepen BBA’s exposure to the attractive business and general aviation market”, which accounted for 72% of the company's revenues in 2014.
Combining the Signature and Landmark brands, he continues, “will result in "significant cost synergies" and "substantial tax benefits” for BBA.
Signature operates the largest chain of FBOs in the world, with more than 130 in its network.
BBA’s portfolio also includes aircraft refueling firm ASIG and aftermarket support companies Dallas Airmotive, Premier Turbines, H+S Aviation, International Turbine Service, W H Barrett Turbine Engine Company, International Governor Services and Ontic.
Source: Flight International
