US private equity fund the Carlyle Group has reportedly moved to acquire Alliance Airlines and Airwork parent company Contract Aviation Industries and is also interested in acquiring Cobham Aviation Services Australia (formerly National Jet Systems).
According to a report in The Australian newspaper, Carlyle has made a $350 million bid for CAI, which was formed earlier this year through the merger of Alliance and Airwork ahead of a planned listing on the ASX. The listing was put on the backburner after Carlyle approached the company over a possible buyout. There has been no confirmation yet of whether the takeover offer has been accepted by the shareholders of CAI.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today. A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
Access to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Meanwhile, the Australian Financial Review reports that Carlyle has started due diligence on a possible acquisition of Cobham’s Australian operations, which currently operates Boeing 717s on behalf of Qantas, BAe 146s for Australian air Express and a series of resource charters. It also provides Coastwatch services on behalf of Australian Customs under a 12 year contract with a fleet of modified Dash 8 Q300s.
iscover
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
