ICF International has released its seventh edition of Aviation and Aerospace M&A Quarterly – a publication highlighting merger and acquisition deals and trends in the aircraft, airlines, and aerospace sectors. This most recent publication focuses on the first quarter of 2015, reporting strong activity through significant investments in these sectors across the world in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Throughout these regions, most investments were seen by Asia-Pacific buyers investing in North America or Europe, however there was still some deals seen by North American buyers completing transactions in Europe.
The publication reports the aircraft sector was booming with various notably large transactions, continued explorations into niche market leasing, and acquisitions in the rotorcraft sector. Further, in the airline sector, aviation technology deals have begun to consolidate the marketplace through a range of mergers and acquisitions including activity in the online travel agency stake sales and in-flight entertainment companies. Aviation technology has begun to reflect consumer's demand for in-flight connectivity. The publication also looked at activity in aerospace sectors, particularly related to metals. Transactions in this first quarter have continued the consolidation of the metals market with significant acquisitions. Finally, in the airports sector, it was reported that the Asian market remains active with buyer movement in other international areas. Further, European airports have continued the 2014 trend of partial airport privatizations.
Significant activity in the aircraft, airlines, and aerospace sectors seen in the first quarter of 2015 have led to an increase in market consolidations. There were a variety of both large and unique transactions, which continue to be expected as we make our way through the second quarter.
The author would like to thank Nicole Buchanan, summer student, for her assistance in preparing this legal update.
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