The Carlyle Group, a global asset manager, has agreed to purchase StandardAero, the global provider of aftermarket engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the aerospace and defense industries, from Veritas Capital, subject to customary regulations. While financial terms have not been disclosed, the equity will come from Carlyle Partners VII, an US$18.5 billion fund that focuses on buyout transactions in the United States. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2019.
Founded in 1911, StandardAero is one of the worldโs largest independent MRO providers offering extensive services and custom solutions for commercial aviation, business aviation, military and industrial power customers. As an OEM-aligned strategic partner, StandardAero has developed a reputation for quality and performance.
Russell Ford, CEO of StandardAero, said, โWe are excited to partner with The Carlyle Group, and we thank Veritas Capital for its support and partnership. We look forward to working with Carlyle to further our aggressive growth trajectory as we continue providing world-class services to our customers as one of the worldโs best and largest independent MRO service providers.โ
Adam J. Palmer, Managing Director and Global Head of Aerospace, Defense and Government Services for The Carlyle Group, said, โRussell Ford and the StandardAero team have built a reputation for industry-leading capabilities and customer service. StandardAero is well positioned in an attractive market and we look forward to building on its strong foundation by helping it grow and meet evolving customer needs.โ
Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets LLC and Macquarie Capital served as financial advisors to Carlyle, and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor. Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division, RBC Capital Markets LLC, Macquarie Capital, Barclays, Jefferies LLC, Nomura Securities and Goldman Sachs have agreed to provide debt financing for the transaction. Goldman Sachs & Co. served as lead financial advisor to StandardAero, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC also acted as a financial advisor on the transaction, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor.