ACC Aviation's Transition to Employee Ownership: A Winning Move
Deal News | Feb 17, 2025 | Business Cloud
YFM Equity Partners has successfully exited its investment in ACC Aviation, a global aviation services company, through a transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Supported by financial firm ThinCats, this exit resulted in a 5.9x return for YFM's investors. Under YFM's partnership, ACC Aviation expanded its global operations to include offices in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Fort Lauderdale, and diversified its services in aircraft leasing, charter, and consultancy. The transition to an EOT is seen as a move to ensure continuity and future growth for ACC Aviation. Both YFM and ThinCats are confident in the sustained success of the company under this new structure, while the transaction underscores YFM's strategy of delivering high returns for its investors.
Sectors
- Aviation Services
- Private Equity
- Financial Services
Geography
- United Kingdom – YFM Equity Partners is based in the UK, and ACC Aviation is a Surrey-based firm.
- United States – ACC Aviation has operations in Fort Lauderdale, contributing to its global presence.
- United Arab Emirates – ACC Aviation expanded its operations to Dubai, reflecting its international reach.
- Malaysia – The company's expansion includes an office in Kuala Lumpur, furthering its global footprint.
Industry
- Aviation Services – ACC Aviation operates in the aviation services industry, providing solutions such as aircraft leasing, charter, and consultancy.
- Private Equity – YFM Equity Partners is a private equity firm that invested in ACC Aviation and facilitated its exit strategy.
- Financial Services – ThinCats provided financial support for the transaction, highlighting its role in the financial services industry.
Financials
- 5.9x return – The return on investment for YFM investors through the transaction.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| YFM Equity Partners | Private Equity Firm | Company | YFM Equity Partners is an investor in ACC Aviation, facilitating its growth and eventual exit. |
| ACC Aviation | Target Company | Company | ACC Aviation is a global aviation services provider, transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust. |
| ThinCats | Financial Support | Company | ThinCats supported the transaction, aiding the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust. |
| Philip Mathews | CEO | Person | CEO of ACC Aviation, overseeing its transition and strategic direction. |
| Sophie Tainton | Portfolio Manager | Person | Portfolio Manager at YFM Equity Partners, involved in the partnership with ACC Aviation. |
| Neil Patel | Head of National Sponsors | Person | Head of national sponsors at ThinCats, involved in supporting the EOT transition. |
| Positive Planet | Collaborator | Company | Worked with ACC Aviation to develop its Carbon Reduction Plan. |