Ardian Acquires Goldman Sachs Stake in AFCO
Deal News | Feb 19, 2025 | Ardian
Ardian, a leading private investment firm, has finalized the acquisition of Goldman Sachs Alternatives' stake in Aviation Facilities Company Management (AFCO), a premier entity in the aviation infrastructure sector. Based in Dulles, Virginia, AFCO specializes in developing and managing on-airport cargo facilities across the U.S. and U.K., with a portfolio comprising over 3.5 million square feet spread across 29 properties at 15 airport locations. The deal represents a strategic expansion for Ardian, enhancing its footprint in the infrastructure and aviation markets, with previous investments in Heathrow, London Luton, and 2i Aeroporti. Leveraging AFCO’s established industry relationships and expertise, Ardian aims to reinforce AFCO's growth strategy, including executing targeted acquisitions. This transaction, backed by financial advisory from DC Advisory for Ardian and RBC Capital Markets along with Eastdil Secured for Goldman Sachs Alternatives, awaits customary closing conditions.
Sectors
- Infrastructure
- Private Equity
- Aviation
Geography
- United States – AFCO operates mainly in the U.S., with its headquarters in Dulles, Virginia, and several properties across various U.S. airport locations.
- United Kingdom – AFCO also has facilities in the U.K., expanding its operational reach internationally.
Industry
- Infrastructure – The article discusses an acquisition involving AFCO, a company specializing in the development and management of on-airport cargo facilities, indicating a focus on infrastructure.
- Private Equity – Ardian, a private investment firm, is acquiring a stake from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, showcasing Private Equity activity.
- Aviation – AFCO is involved in managing airport infrastructure, particularly on-airport cargo facilities, thus linking the article to the aviation industry.
Financials
- Not disclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition deal between Ardian and Goldman Sachs Alternatives for AFCO's stake were not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardian | Bidding Company | Company | A leading private investment house finalizing the acquisition of Goldman Sachs Alternatives' stake in AFCO. |
| Goldman Sachs Alternatives | Selling Company | Company | The infrastructure arm of Goldman Sachs selling its stake in AFCO to Ardian. |
| AFCO (Aviation Facilities Company Management, LLC) | Target Company | Company | A company specializing in the investment, development, management, and operation of on-airport cargo facilities and airport infrastructure in the U.S. |
| DC Advisory | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to Ardian. |
| Gibson Dunn | Legal Advisor | Company | Served as legal counsel to Ardian. |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to Goldman Sachs Alternatives. |
| Eastdil Secured, LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided additional financial advisory services to Goldman Sachs Alternatives. |
| Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Served as legal counsel to Goldman Sachs Alternatives. |
| Stefano Mion | Executive | Person | Co-Head of Infrastructure Americas and Senior Managing Director at Ardian. |
| Leonarda Orani | Executive | Person | Managing Director at Ardian. |
| Teresa Mattamouros | Executive | Person | Managing Director in Infrastructure at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. |
| Chuck Stipancic | Executive | Person | CEO of AFCO. |