Wheels Up Experience, a leading brand in private aviation, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Air Partner, a UK-based global aviation services group with operations in 18 locations and across four continents.
Under the terms of the transaction, Wheels Up will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Air Partner for 125 pence per share, equivalent to an enterprise value of approximately US$107 million.
The acquisition is expected to close later in the first quarter subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services company providing private jet, group and freight charter and aviation safety and security solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals, across civil and military organizations.
Air Partner will provide Wheels Up the ability to expand its service offerings internationally, and Wheels Up expects Air Partner to leverage Wheels Up’s investments in operations, service and technology on a global basis with an active and engaged customer base.
The proposed acquisition will enhance Wheels Up’s brand equity and will also add an experienced global team from a company with more than 60 years of continuous operations in private aviation.
“This announcement marks an important new chapter for Wheels Up as we systematically build the leading global, private aviation company that creates unparalleled value for our customers and shareholders,” said Wheels Up chairman and CEO Kenny Dichter.
“This acquisition will allow us to offer existing and future customers even more compelling and seamless options for private travel, expand the reach of our marketplace in key markets around the world, and add important operational capabilities to our network. Air Partner has tremendous heritage, leadership expertise and unique capabilities that will allow us to accelerate our global strategy and credibly expand our offerings in a meaningful way. We look forward to sharing more details on the transaction and our go-to-market plans after the deal formally closes.”
“This proposed acquisition has a compelling strategic rationale, bringing together two businesses with complementary offerings and values for the benefit of their customers. I am extremely proud of Air Partner, we have built a fantastic team and a highly attractive business and Wheels Up’s offer is a clear acknowledgment of this,” said Air Partner CEO Mark Briffa.
“The Air Partner Board believes that a combination with Wheels Up would give our customers, colleagues and stakeholders the additional resources of one of the largest private aviation companies in the world, enabling us to significantly enhance our technology, customer offer, and international aircraft supply. Air Partner has always placed the customer at the heart of what we do – a value that is equally shared by Wheels Up – and I am confident this will continue to be the case.”
This acquisition accelerates Wheels Up’s long-term vision to be the international leader in private aviation.
