mynth
← DATABASE
05/2025100%

Nordic Aviation Capital acquired by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)

UNITED STATES Specialty Finance / Asset Leasing & Financing / Aviation & Maritime Leasing EV $1–10bn

Context

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a leading global player in aircraft leasing, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) from NAC Holdings Limited. This transaction is one of the most significant deals in the regional aircraft leasing sector in recent years and substantially strengthens DAE's international presence. The acquisition enables DAE to significantly expand the size and diversification of its fleet, with a post-acquisition fleet of approximately 750 aircraft, comprising nearly 650 owned or managed aircraft leased to 161 airlines across 74 countries. Additionally, DAE has a pipeline of orders for over 100 aircraft from major global aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, and ATR. As a result of this transaction, the group becomes the third-largest aircraft lessor in the world by fleet size. Strategically, the acquisition of NAC allows DAE to bolster its exposure to the regional aircraft segment, which complements its historical portfolio focused on narrow-body and larger-capacity aircraft. The combination is also expected to generate commercial synergies by expanding the group's customer base and strengthening its relationships with aircraft manufacturers. This transaction is part of DAE's international growth strategy, aimed at increasing its critical mass, diversifying its assets, and consolidating its position among the global leaders in aircraft financing and leasing. DAE was advised on the transaction by Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling on legal aspects, and KPMG on advisory and due diligence services.

Nordic Aviation Capital, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2023, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of below 5x.

-> Deep-dive in Financial Services market trends

Target

Founded in 1990 in Denmark, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) is a leading global player in the regional aircraft leasing market. The company acquires, finances, and leases aircraft to airlines under long-term lease agreements, enabling operators to access modern fleets without incurring the upfront costs of direct acquisition. Over its 35-year history, NAC has established itself as a global benchmark in the turboprop and small-jet regional aircraft segment. The company manages a portfolio of aircraft operated by airlines across all continents. Its business model is centered on holding aviation assets that generate recurring rental income and actively managing its aircraft portfolio throughout their lifecycle. Leveraging its technical and commercial expertise, NAC maintains long-term relationships with a diverse range of regional and national carriers, allowing it to maintain a high level of fleet utilization.

Ent. Value

$1–10bn

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

[members only]

EV / EBITDA

below 5x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (USD)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2023
[members only]
$250–500M
[members only]
2022
[members only]
$250–500M
[members only]

Similar deals in Specialty Finance

Similar deals in Specialty Finance
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
01/2026DECATHLON PULSEBIKELEASING (BLS BETEILIGUNGS)GERMANYAsset Leasing & Financing
07/2025DOVALUECOEO GROUPGERMANYSpecialized Lending
05/2025IK PARTNERSDATAPART FACTORINGGERMANYFactoring
01/2022BRIDGEPOINTSPARTFIN (PARTNERS FINANCE)FRANCEConsumer Credit
11/2019ANDERA PARTNERSAUXIGAFRANCEFactoring
03/2018B2HOLDINGVERALTIS (EX NACC)FRANCESpecialty Finance
01/2017BRIDGEPOINTZENITHUNITED KINGDOMFleet Management Finance
07/2015IK PARTNERSAUXIGAFRANCEFactoring
09/2014ARROW GLOBAL GROUPCAPQUESTUNITED KINGDOMSpecialty Finance
01/2014HG CAPITALZENITHUNITED KINGDOMFleet Management Finance

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV $1–10bn

EBITDA range: $250–500M

EV/EBITDA range: below 5x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) 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.

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s acquisition of 100% of Nordic Aviation Capital, an American company specialised in Asset Leasing & Financing, in 2025.

How was the acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the $1–10bn band and its EV/EBITDA multiple within the below 5x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What was Nordic Aviation Capital’s EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Nordic Aviation Capital’s EBITDA was estimated within the $250–500M bracket (FY 2023). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Transaction intelligence is supported by independent reporting from specialized financial publications, alongside a private document shared by the community and verified by the mynth team to ensure the accuracy of the shared information.

What is mynth?

mynth is the first free M&A database dedicated to Small & Mid-Cap transactions. We centralize Enterprise Values, revenue multiples, EBITDA multiples and transaction financials that are typically locked behind five-figure subscriptions on platforms like Capital IQ or Mergermarket. On mynth, searching and browsing deals is completely free. Our mission is simple: make professional-grade valuation intelligence accessible to every M&A advisor, independent consultant, Private Equity professional and student, without the burden of expensive annual licenses.