14 January 2015 : Aviapartner accelerates its strategic plan thanks to the arrival of HIG in its capital


Brussels & Paris

Aviapartner is pleased to announce the entry of H.I.G Capital in its equity. H.I.G becomes the majority shareholdership of Aviapartner, together with the President of the Aviapartner Group.

With 60 years of experience, Aviapartner is one of Europe’s leading airport service providers. Aviapartner provides Ground Handling Services to Airlines at 27 airports in 5 European countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands). In addition, Aviapartner provides General Aviation services and Cargo warehouse handling at various Aviapartner network locations within Europe.

The group, which achieved a turnover of more than EUR 350 million in 2014, employs more than 6,000 staff members and serves in excess of 50 million passengers each year.

With the support of H.I.G. Capital, Aviapartner will accelerate the growth and development strategy, including acquisitions and expansion into further European countries as well as in the rapidly expanding African aviation sector.

H.I.G. Capital has the proven operational, strategic and financial expertise to support companies in the process of expansion, acquisitions and strategic changes.

The shareholders and management of Aviapartner agree on a joint vision for the sustainable development and international expansion of the Group, whilst consolidating Aviapartners leadership position within Europe and the development of opportunities outside European boarders.

Laurent Levaux, President of Aviapartner: “Aviapartner welcomes H.I.G Capital as new equity shareholder. With the support H.I.G Capital, Aviapartner will benefit from the financial resources necessary to continue its development strategy and strengthen its leading position in the market for airport handling services. We have already identified several acquisitions that will allow Aviapartner to expand beyond the 27 European airports where the Group is currently present.”

Olivier Boyajian, Managing Director of HIG Europe: “H.I.G. Capital is proud to become Aviapartner’s main shareholder alongside its Chairman Laurent Levaux. Our common ambition is to help Aviapartner consolidate its European leadership through new acquisitions and the development of new services. H.I.G. Capital’s experience in assisting companies undergoing structural changes will be a key advantage to support Aviapartner in its expansion strategy.”

About Aviapartner
Aviapartner Group, headquartered in Brussels, is an international airport services provider. The group handles over 300,000 flights per annum to more than 400 airlines and 50 million passengers. Aviapartner is a leading European Ground Handling services provider present at 27 airports. The group employs more than 6,000 staff members and achieved a group turnover of 350 million euros in 2014.

About H.I.G. capital
With over $17 billion under management, HIG Capital is a leading private equity investment organisation. With offices located in the United States (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York and San Francisco), Europe (Paris, London, Hamburg, Madrid and Milan) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), H.I.G Capital specializes in equity investment (LBO, growth capital, …). Since inception in 1993, H.I.G Capital has invested in over 250 companies. For more information, please visit the website of HIG Capital.

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