West Star Aviation Strengthens Partnership with Greenbriar Equity Group
Deal News | May 21, 2025 | Greenbriar Equity Group LLC
Greenbriar Equity Group, a notable private equity firm, has announced its acquisition of West Star Aviation, a leading Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider for business aviation, from The Sterling Group. The financial details of this private transaction remain undisclosed. West Star, established in 1947, is known for its expansive MRO capabilities and robust Aircraft on Ground (AOG) technician network. The Sterling Group, which has overseen West Star's growth in recent years, expressed gratitude for the partnership and acknowledged the progress achieved. Greenbriar aims to leverage its extensive experience in the aviation sector to further enhance West Star's service offerings and support its growth trajectory. Key legal and financial advisors involved in the deal include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Evercore, Harris Williams LLC, Jefferies LLC, and Latham & Watkins LLP.
Sectors
- Aviation
- Private Equity
- Professional Services
Geography
- United States – West Star Aviation operates from several locations across the United States, and the acquisition involves U.S.-based private equity firms.
Industry
- Aviation – West Star Aviation operates within the aviation industry, offering comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for business aviation.
- Private Equity – Greenbriar Equity Group and The Sterling Group are both private equity firms involved in the acquisition and investment activities within this sector.
- Professional Services – Legal and financial advisory services were provided by several firms, including Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Evercore, involved in facilitating the transaction.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition between Greenbriar Equity Group and The Sterling Group were not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenbriar Equity Group LLC | Acquirer | Company | A middle-market private equity firm with extensive experience in investing in service and manufacturing businesses. |
| West Star Aviation | Target Company | Company | A leading provider of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for business aviation with a robust technician network. |
| The Sterling Group | Seller | Company | A private equity firm that focuses on investments in manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. |
| Kirkland & Ellis LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal counsel to Greenbriar Equity Group in the acquisition. |
| Evercore | Financial Advisor | Company | Served as a financial advisor for Greenbriar Equity Group in the transaction. |
| Harris Williams LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | Co-lead financial advisor to West Star Aviation in the transaction. |
| Jefferies LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | Co-lead financial advisor to West Star Aviation in the transaction. |
| Solomon Partners | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided additional financial advisory services to West Star Aviation. |
| Latham & Watkins LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Served as legal advisor to West Star Aviation. |