“The aerospace and defense sector is booming and we will likely see a lot of activity in 2025.“
-Shruti Gurudanti, Rose Law Group partner, leader of the firm’s space law practice, and director of corporate transactions
By Business Wire
AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AE Industrial”), a private equity firm specializing in National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Services, today announced that it has completed the sale of Kellstrom Aerospace Group, Inc. (“Kellstrom”), a diversified global distributor and service provider supporting the commercial aerospace engine aftermarket, for $200 million to VSE Corporation (“VSE”) (NASDAQ: VSEC), a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services.
Kellstrom is a leading full-service aftermarket solutions provider of value-added distribution and technical services for the commercial aerospace engine aftermarket. Differentiated by a highly technical, high-touch global sales and product line management organization, Kellstrom supports over 30 OEMs and approximately 800 customers, including airlines, air cargo operators, lessors, OEMs, and MROs across 75 countries. Under AE Industrial’s ownership, Kellstrom expanded both organically and through three capability-enhancing strategic acquisitions, including The Aircraft Group, Transaero Commercial Distribution and Vortex Aviation.
“We are grateful for the support, guidance, and resources AE Industrial has provided throughout our partnership,” added Oscar Torres, President & CEO of Kellstrom. “Working closely together we have enhanced our operations, achieved significant business growth, incorporated new maintenance capabilities and expanded our records management services and distribution lines.”
“It has been a privilege to work alongside our management team to create a leading, independent distributor of flight critical products and technical services to the commercial aerospace aftermarket,” said Charlie Compton, Managing Partner at AE Industrial. “We wish the Kellstrom team continued success as they move forward into their next chapter with VSE.”
Perella Weinberg Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Kellstrom on the transaction.
