AerFin, the Newport-headquartered aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) specialist, has agreed to be acquired by Orix Aviation, a subsidiary of Japan’s Orix Group. The transaction, valued at around £475 million including debt, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to reach completion towards the end of 2026.
AerFin operates as a leading aftermarket specialist, buying, selling, leasing and repairing aircraft, engines and components. Its global operations span Miami, Singapore and Dublin, in addition to its Welsh headquarters. The company posted robust financial results in 2025, with revenues increasing by 25 per cent to approximately £276 million and EBITDA rising by 33 per cent to more than £52 million.
Expanding Orix Aviation’s capabilities
Orix Aviation, established in 1991, already owns and manages a substantial fleet of aircraft and offers comprehensive asset management services to Japanese and international investors and funds through its full-service operating lease platform. The acquisition of AerFin will broaden Orix’s reach across the entire aircraft lifecycle, from leasing and trading to maintenance and end-of-life asset recovery.
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.”
AerFin’s Welsh roots and expansion
AerFin’s journey in Wales began in 2010, when founder Bob James set up the business in Cardiff. It later moved its headquarters to Caerphilly before settling in Newport, where it now operates from a large maintenance facility at Indurent Park. The company relocated its base from Bedwas to Newport last year, investing in a newer and larger site to support its expansion.
Of AerFin’s global workforce of more than 230 employees, approximately half are based in Newport. The Welsh team has been central to the company’s success, according to chief executive Simon Goodson, who said Wales had played a defining role in AerFin’s growth story.
Leadership reaction
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.” He also thanked departing shareholders CataCap for their “outstanding custodianship and guidance” and acknowledged the contributions of customers, employees and partners.
Goodson added: “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.”
Exit for private equity owner
The deal provides an exit for CataCap, the private equity firm that became AerFin’s majority owner. 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.”
Ryttergaard said CataCap had always sought to support businesses with strong cultures and ambitious growth plans, and AerFin had exceeded expectations on both fronts. He expressed confidence that Orix Aviation is the right long-term owner to support the company’s next phase.
Founder’s confidence
Bob James, who founded AerFin after a long career in the aviation MRO sector, 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.”
James also praised CataCap as an excellent partner and said Orix Aviation brings exactly the support, reputation and long-term commitment the business deserves.
Advisors to the transaction
ORIX Aviation was advised by Goldman Sachs International as sole financial advisor, with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as legal counsel. EY provided financial due diligence advice and PwC handled tax due diligence.
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 as legal counsel and financial advisors, respectively, to the management team.
