The forecasted revenue of the new group to reach €1 billion in 2019
Avia Solutions Group, a global multipurpose aviation holding, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shareholding in UK-headquartered Chapman Freeborn Group – a worldwide market leader for aircraft charter solutions. The acquisition agreement was signed in London, United Kingdom on 14 June 2019.
The addition of Chapman Freeborn’s worldwide businesses will bolster current business lines portfolio of Avia Solutions Group – a global holding company with 42 subsidiaries engaged in aircraft maintenance, pilot training, ground handling and fuelling, aviation IT solutions and business aviation.
As part of the Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn will maintain its existing product portfolio and continue to operate under the group’s existing brands – including subsidiaries Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, Chapman Freeborn OBC, Intradco Cargo Services, Logik Logistics, Magma Aviation, and Wings 24.
The consolidated revenues of the two entities were €800 million for 2018 and are forecasted to exceed €1 billion in 2019. After the acquisition is completed, subject to customary approvals, Avia Solutions Group will own 66 companies in 26 countries worldwide, with approximately 3300 professionals in total.
Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of the Board at Avia Solutions Group, said:
“This acquisition is part of our strategic plan to expand our presence in key sectors, and significantly strengthens the capabilities of our group. Chapman Freeborn’s client portfolio and its outstanding level of expertise will greatly support our ambition to be the world’s leading aviation services provider.”
“Avia Solutions Group and Chapman Freeborn both enjoy excellent reputations in the market, and together we share a common passion for delivering innovative client-focused services. With an even greater global footprint, we can harness the synergies of our two like-minded companies to achieve even more ambitious results.”
Russi Batliwala, CEO of Chapman Freeborn, said:
“This is an important moment for Chapman Freeborn as we continue to expand the strength of our group around the world. Joining forces with Avia Solutions Group will provide us with a greater level of business scale, resources and expertise to accelerate growth and deliver our services to an even wider client base – all while preserving our unique company culture and ongoing commitment to charter market innovation.”
He added:
“Avia Solutions Group is the perfect strategic fit for us and their commitment to maintaining the approach that has made Chapman Freeborn successful for more than 46 years means this is an exciting opportunity – not only for us but also the charter industry more broadly.”
The transaction is expected to be closed in Q3 2019. Financial terms are not disclosed.
Avia Solutions Group is an international aerospace business group with 42 subsidiaries worldwide. Headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Group has representative offices in the USA, the UK, Poland, Serbia, Estonia, Russia, Thailand, and Indonesia. With over 1600 customers across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Avia Solutions Group is among the market’s leading providers of aircraft maintenance, aviation staff training and recruitment, ground handling and fueling, aviation IT solutions, charter flights, and tourism. The Group’s annual turnover exceeds €420 million.
The Group unites a team of 3000 professionals working and living across 40 countries worldwide. Both the company and its team are active members of various local communities, providing extended support to sport, culture, environment, and health-related organizations and groups.
For more information, please visit:
Website: www.aviasg.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviaSolutionsGroup/?fref=ts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/546882/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AviaSG
About Chapman Freeborn
The Chapman Freeborn group was established in the UK in 1973. The company has offices worldwide including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. In the cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialises in the charter and lease of aircraft for a wide-ranging customer base, including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the globe. In addition to freight services, Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services including private jet charters for executive travel and large aircraft for crew rotations and international group travel.
The group’s subsidiary companies include Chapman Freeborn OBC, Intradco Cargo Services, Logik Logistics International, Magma Aviation, and Wings 24. Over the last decade, Chapman Freeborn has received more than 20 top awards for service and innovation, including industry accolades from Air Cargo News, Air Cargo Week, Payload Asia, and STAT Trade Times.