Boeing to Sell Jeppesen Unit to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion
Deal News | Apr 22, 2025 | Zawya
Boeing has agreed to sell parts of its Digital Aviation Solutions business, including the navigation unit Jeppesen, to private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion. This divestment is part of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg's strategy to reduce the company's debt by unloading non-core assets. Jeppesen, which Boeing bought for $1.5 billion in 2000, had aimed for a sales price above $6 billion during the auction process driven by significant interest from various buyers. Thoma Bravo won the auction against competitors like TPG, Advent, and Veritas. Jeppesen, located in Englewood, Colorado, is an attractive acquisition due to its potential to generate consistent cash flow. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2025.
Sectors
- Aerospace and Defense
- Private Equity
- Digital Technology
Geography
- United States – Boeing is a U.S.-based company, and Jeppesen is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
Industry
- Aerospace and Defense – Boeing is a key player in the aerospace and defense industry; the sector's interest in Jeppesen underlines its strategic value to aerospace contractors.
- Private Equity – Thoma Bravo's acquisition of Jeppesen exemplifies private equity interest in assets that offer stable cash flows.
- Digital Technology – Jeppesen is part of Boeing's Digital Aviation Solutions, highlighting the technological aspect of navigation and data services for aviation.
Financials
- $10.55 billion – The purchase price for Jeppesen by Thoma Bravo.
- $1.5 billion – The price Boeing paid to acquire Jeppesen in 2000.
- $6 billion – Initial target sale price for Jeppesen before higher bids drove it upward.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | Seller | Company | A major U.S. aerospace and defense company selling parts of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. |
| Thoma Bravo | Buyer | Company | A private equity firm acquiring Jeppesen from Boeing. |
| Jeppesen | Target | Company | A navigation unit part of Boeing's Digital Aviation Solutions being sold to Thoma Bravo. |
| TPG, Advent, Veritas | Rival Bidders | Company | Private equity firms that participated in the bidding process for Jeppesen. |