Air Support acquired by Ixo Private Equity & BNP Paribas Developpement
Context
Air Support has completed a leveraged buyout (LBO) transaction with iXO Private Equity, an existing shareholder, and BNP Paribas Développement, which is joining the company's capital to support a new phase of growth for the aerospace maintenance specialist. This operation enables Sabine Tertre, the company's president, to continue developing the group while relying on financial partners capable of supporting her ambitions in France and internationally. The financing is complemented by a banking pool led by Caisse d'Épargne Midi-Pyrénées, Banque Populaire Occitane, and LCL. This transaction takes place as Air Support is experiencing sustained growth in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market for aerospace equipment. With over 200 clients across nearly 40 countries, the company has progressively strengthened its position as a reference player in high-value-added technical segments, combining activities such as embedded equipment repair and on-site technical assistance. The LBO aims to provide the company with the necessary financial resources to accelerate its commercial expansion, reinforce its international presence, and continue investing while maintaining a high level of service quality. This deal also illustrates the growing interest of investors in specialized players in the aerospace value chain, who benefit from a diversified customer base, recognized technical expertise, and favorable exposure to the growth of global air traffic. The transaction demonstrates the attractiveness of Air Support's business model, which is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for MRO services driven by the expansion of the global aerospace industry.
Air Support, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2022, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of [members only].
-> Deep-dive in Industry & Manufacturing market trends
Target
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Pujaudran, Gers, Air Support is a leading French specialist in the maintenance, repair, and management of aerospace equipment. The company primarily focuses on engine components and associated systems used by airlines, maintenance workshops, and major players in the aerospace industry. With its recognized technical expertise and certifications meeting the most stringent industry standards, Air Support has established itself as a benchmark in a market where reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance are paramount. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including inspection, repair, overhaul, and logistics management for a wide variety of aerospace components. Each year, Air Support handles several thousand pieces of equipment, leveraging its specialized industrial infrastructure and highly skilled teams to meet the demands of its clients. Its expertise enables the company to support the growing needs of the aviation sector, particularly in the context of a sustained recovery in global air traffic and increasing fleet maintenance requirements. With a global customer base of over 200 clients across approximately 40 countries, Air Support collaborates with several major civil and industrial aerospace players, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the industry.
Ent. Value
[members only]
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
[members only]
EV / EBITDA
[members only]
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with Air Support
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/2026 | SOCIETE GENERALE CAPITAL PARTENAIRES / IXO PRIVATE EQUITY / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | AIR SUPPORT | FRANCE | MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) |
Other operations with Ixo Private Equity / BNP Paribas Developpement
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/2023 | CREDIT MUTUEL EQUITY / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | DIMOTRANS | FRANCE | Freight Transport |
| 03/2023 | BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT / BPIFRANCE / BTP CAPITAL / ESFIN PARTICIPATIONS | GCC | FRANCE | Construction |
| 11/2022 | ARKEA CAPITAL / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT / IRD INVEST | MEDIASCIENCE | FRANCE | Educational Equipment |
| 09/2022 | ARKEA CAPITAL / SOCIETE GENERALE CAPITAL PARTENAIRES / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | ACB GROUP | BELGIUM | Electronic Components |
| 12/2021 | VIVALTO PARTNERS / IK PARTNERS / MACSF / ARKEA CAPITAL / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | VIVALTO SANTÉ | FRANCE | Clinics / Hospitals |
| 01/2021 | ARDIAN / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | PROTEOR | FRANCE | Implants & Prosthetics |
| 10/2019 | BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | UNIPEX | FRANCE | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 07/2019 | I SQUARED CAPITAL / UI INVESTISSEMENT / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | DOMIDEP | FRANCE | Nursing Homes |
| 10/2018 | SOCIETE GENERALE CAPITAL PARTENAIRES / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | GROUPE GRIS | FRANCE | Auto Parts & Suppliers |
| 09/2018 | LATOUR CAPITAL / BPIFRANCE / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | SOGETREL | FRANCE | Infrastructures |
Similar deals in Aerospace, Naval & Defense
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/2023 | HENSOLDT GROUP | ESG ELEKTRONIKSYSTEM- UND LOGISTIK | GERMANY | Electronics |
| 04/2023 | ADAGIA PARTNERS | ADHETEC | FRANCE | Aerostructures |
| 09/2021 | OPENGATE CAPITAL | SCIOTEQ | BELGIUM | Electronics |
| 05/2019 | THE CARLYLE GROUP | FORGITAL GROUP | ITALY | Aerostructures |
| 05/2019 | AEA INVESTORS | SPECTRUM CONTROL | UNITED STATES | Electronics |
| 01/2019 | OMNES CAPITAL / ANDERA PARTNERS | SPHEREA | FRANCE | Engines & Systems |
| 01/2019 | ARDIAN | REVIMA GROUP | FRANCE | MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) |
| 11/2018 | SAGARD / BPIFRANCE | SABENA TECHNICS | FRANCE | MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) |
| 05/2018 | TIKEHAU CAPITAL | NEXTEAM | FRANCE | Aerostructures |
| 07/2017 | ARGOS WITYU | REVIMA GROUP | FRANCE | MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) |
REFERENCES
Revenue range: REV €10–30M
EBITDA range: €0–5M
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Air Support by Ixo Private Equity / BNP Paribas Developpement are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Target: air support
FAQ
What were Air Support’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?
What sources support the information on this transaction?
What is mynth?