1. KKR led a debt financing for Greenbriar's acquisition of West Star Aviation. 2. West Star is a leading MRO provider with a large technician network. 3. Greenbriar aims to grow West Star's market reach in aviation services. 4. KKR supports growth in portfolio companies to generate attractive returns.
This financing indicates KKR's confidence in West Star's growth prospects, similar to past successful ventures in MRO sectors, which have often led to positive stock movements for KKR. Historical investments resulting in expansion and profitability further validate this sentiment.
The significance of this financing suggests potential growth for KKR as it continues to support profitable ventures, reinforcing its market position and investment strategy.
The strategic focus on West Star's growth will likely yield benefits over time, aligning with KKR's long-term investment philosophy showcased in previous successful expansions in the aviation sector.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that credit funds and accounts managed by KKR served as lead investors on a debt financing for Greenbriar Equity Group's acquisition of West Star Aviation (“West Star” or the “Company”).
Since its founding in 1947, West Star has built a reputation as a premier service provider for business aviation. The Company offers comprehensive MRO capabilities across aircraft manufactured by every major OEM and maintains the largest aircraft on ground (“AOG”) technician network nationally, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services. Supported by a deeply knowledgeable and experienced management team, West Star remains focused on delivering excellent customer service and quality.
“West Star is an exceptional business with comprehensive capabilities and a strong customer value proposition that aligns with Greenbriar’s strategy of partnering with market leading aviation and aerospace businesses poised for growth,” said Noah Blitzer, a Managing Director at Greenbriar. “We are grateful for KKR’s support, which will help enable us, alongside management, to continue building on West Star’s legacy as a premier MRO provider delivering high quality service to its customers.”
“We are pleased to support Greenbriar in its acquisition of West Star Aviation, which we believe is well-positioned to expand its market reach in the resilient and growing aviation MRO space,” said Gene Kolodin, a Managing Director at KKR.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.
About Greenbriar
Greenbriar is a middle market private equity firm with 20+ years of experience investing in market-leading services and manufacturing businesses. With $10+ billion of cumulative capital commitments, its investment strategy targets businesses led by experienced management teams capitalizing on strong long-term growth prospects that can benefit from Greenbriar’s deep sectoral expertise, strategic insight, and operating capabilities. For more information, please visit greenbriarequity.com.
About West Star Aviation
With more than 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as multiple satellite locations. The company’s extensive capabilities encompass airframe maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) technician network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.