The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 subject to regulatory approval and will see AerFin become a wholly owned division of Japan-based ORIX
UK-based aviation aftermarket specialist Aerfin has been acquired by ORIX Aviation, a leasing company established in Dublin and headquartered in Japan.
The deal, announced today for an undisclosed sum, is expected to complete by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approval.
Aerfin will become an ORIX Aviation-owned company merging its buying, selling, leasing, and engine and parts repairs expertise with ORIX’s asset management and investment platform.
Simon Goodson, chief executive of AerFin, said: “I am delighted that AerFin is joining the ORIX Group, a business that shares our values and belief in trusted partnerships, flexible solutions and finding the way ahead for our customers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our founder Bob James for his vision and tenacity, our departing majority shareholders CataCap for their outstanding custodianship and guidance, and of course our customers, employees and partners who have made our business what it is today.
“This is a defining moment in AerFin’s story and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With the backing of ORIX Aviation and the wider ORIX Group, we will have the support, confidence and platform to enable AerFin to become a stronger force within the industry, while continuing our ambition to be the most trusted partner in the aviation aftermarket. The best of AerFin is still to come.”
James Meyler, Chief Executive Officer of ORIX Aviation, added: “The acquisition of AerFin is a significant milestone for ORIX Aviation and ORIX Group as we expand our capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle.
“AerFin has built a leading aviation aftermarket platform, supported by an experienced management team, deep technical expertise and a global customer network. Together, we will be well positioned to deliver additional value for customers and investors, while supporting a more sustainable aviation industry through the reuse and optimisation of aircraft assets.”
ORIX Aviation was advised by Goldman Sachs International as sole financial advisor, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as legal counsel, EY as financial due diligence advisor and PwC as tax due diligence advisor.
AerFin was advised by Rothschild & Co as sole financial advisor, Baker McKenzie as legal counsel, KPMG as financial and tax due diligence advisor and BCG as commercial due diligence advisor. Osborne Clarke and Liberty Corporate Finance acted respectively as legal counsel and financial advisors to the management team.
Peter Ryttergaard, co-founder and partner at CataCap, said: “AerFin has been an outstanding success story, and we are proud of what has been achieved during our ownership. The team has built a leading business through their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering focus on its customers and people.
“We have always sought to support businesses with strong cultures and ambitious growth plans, and AerFin has exceeded our expectations on both fronts. As the company enters its next phase, we believe ORIX Aviation is the right long-term owner to support that journey.
“The values, ambition and partnership approach of both organisations are closely aligned, making this a natural next step. We thank the AerFin team for an exceptional partnership and look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
AerFin has grown significantly since it was founded and now AerFin facilities in the UK, Miami, Singapore and Dublin and employs more than 230 people.
Bob James, AerFin founder, said: “Having built AerFin from the ground up and spent my career in the aviation MRO sector, I recognise a strong leadership team and a long-term home when I see one.
“Simon Goodson has led the business brilliantly through this transition, and I have every confidence in him and the wider team as they take AerFin into its next chapter. CataCap have been an excellent partner throughout this journey, fully supportive, engaged, and genuinely invested in what we’ve built together.
“ORIX Aviation bring exactly the support, reputation and long-term commitment this business deserves, and I am delighted AerFin has found such a natural home to continue its growth.”
Established in 1991, ORIX Aviation owns and manages aircraft and provides asset management services to Japanese and international investors and funds through its full-service operating lease platform.
The firm said the acquisition of AerFin will broaden ORIX Aviation’s capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle, from leasing and asset management through to end-of-life part-out and aftermarket solutions.
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