Newport-based AerFin is being acquired by Japanese firm Orix Aviation
AerFin.(Image: Rhys Cozens)
Welsh headquartered aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul company, AerFin is being acquired by a Japanese venture in deal worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Newport headquartered AerFin, a leading aftermarket specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts, is being acquired by Japanese firm Orix Aviation. Subject to regulatory approval the deal is expected to be finalised towards the end of the year.
The deal comes after AerFin, which also has operations in Miami, Singapore and Dublin, posted strong financials in 2025 with revenues climbing 25% to around £276m and Ebitda up 33% to more than £52m. The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but with debt, is understood to be around £475m.
Last year Aerfin completed a relocation from Bedwas to a new larger HQ and maintenance facilities at Indurent Park in Newport.
The deal provides an exit for AerFin’s private equity backers and majority owner CataCap. Of AerFin’s global workforce of more than 230 around half are based in Newport.
Established in 1991, Orix Aviation owns and manages aircraft and provides comprehensive asset management services to Japanese and international investors and funds through its full-service operating lease platform.
Chief executive of AerFin Simon Goodson 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 (who set up the business in 2010 originally in Cardiff) 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.
“Wales has played a defining role in AerFin’s growth story. From our beginnings in Cardiff, through our time headquartered in Caerphilly, to our Newport headquarters today, we have built a global aviation business with Welsh talent, ambition and values at its core.
“This agreement is a major milestone for AerFin, but it is also a reflection of the expertise, commitment and commercial strength we have developed here in Wales. As part of Orix Aviation, we will have the backing to keep growing internationally while remaining proud of where our journey began.”
James Meyler, chief executive of Orix Aviation, said: “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.”
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. “
AerFin founder Mr James “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. Oirx 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.”
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.
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