West Star: Greenbriar Buys Out Sterling to Focus on MRO Growth
Deal News | May 21, 2025 | Greenbriar Equity Group LLC
Greenbriar Equity Group has acquired West Star Aviation from The Sterling Group in a private transaction. West Star, a leader in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector for business aviation, is set to benefit from Greenbriar's extensive aviation expertise as it seeks to further expand its capabilities and market reach. West Star, with its strong network and a highly regarded reputation since 1947, provides comprehensive services including airframe maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics across the United States. The Sterling Group has previously supported significant growth and market positioning for West Star, which now, with an enhanced strategy supported by Greenbriar, aims to continue its trajectory of delivering exceptional service and maintaining a focus on customer needs. Advising parties in this acquisition include Kirkland & Ellis LLP (legal counsel for Greenbriar), Evercore (financial advisor for Greenbriar), and Harris Williams LLC and Jefferies LLC (financial advisors for West Star)
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Aviation and Aerospace
- Industrial Services
Geography
- United States – West Star Aviation operates multiple strategic locations across the U.S., including in Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee, New Jersey, Missouri, and North Carolina.
Industry
- Private Equity – The article discusses the acquisition of West Star Aviation by Greenbriar Equity Group, a private equity firm.
- Aviation and Aerospace – West Star Aviation operates in the aviation MRO sector, providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for business aviation aircraft.
- Industrial Services – The Sterling Group’s involvement as a seller is in line with its investment focus on industrial services companies.
Financials
- Not disclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition between Greenbriar and The Sterling Group have not been publicly disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Star Aviation | Target company | Company | A leading independent MRO provider for business aviation with multiple facilities across the U.S. |
| Greenbriar Equity Group | Acquiring Company | Company | A private equity firm with significant experience in the aviation sector. |
| The Sterling Group | Selling Company | Company | A private equity firm that previously owned West Star Aviation. |
| Stephen Maiden | CEO of West Star | Person | Overseeing West Star Aviation as it enters a new phase under Greenbriar. |
| Noah Blitzer | Managing Director at Greenbriar | Person | Involved in the acquisition process and strategy implementation with West Star. |
| John Griffin | Partner at The Sterling Group | Person | Acknowledged West Star's growth and thanked the team for the partnership. |
| Kirkland & Ellis LLP | Legal Advisor to Greenbriar | Company | Provided legal counsel for Greenbriar during the transaction. |
| Evercore | Financial Advisor to Greenbriar | Company | Advised Greenbriar on financial aspects of the acquisition. |
| Harris Williams LLC | Co-lead Financial Advisor to West Star | Company | Provided financial advice to West Star for the transaction. |
| Jefferies LLC | Co-lead Financial Advisor to West Star | Company | Worked alongside Harris Williams to advise West Star on financial matters. |
| Solomon Partners | Advisor to West Star | Company | Involved in advisory capacities for the transaction. |
| Latham & Watkins LLP | Legal Advisor to West Star | Company | Provided legal advice to West Star. |