Platinum Equity Completes Acquisition Of Global Aerospace Supply Chain Services Provider Unical Aviation

Aviation parts and components business to benefit from new operational resources and recapitalized balance sheet as air travel begins to rebound

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Platinum Equity

Aug 16, 2021, 11:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Equity announced today it has completed the acquisition of Unical Aviation Inc. and certain of the company's affiliates ("Unical"), a leading provider of aircraft parts and components to the global commercial aerospace market, from affiliates of the company's founders.

The acquisition includes Unical Aviation, Unical MRO, Unical 145 and Unical Aero. Unical Defense Inc., an affiliate that serves government defense contracts, is not included in the sale to Platinum Equity.

Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles-based global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management, has substantial experience investing in supply chain and logistics businesses, including in the aerospace sector. The firm currently owns Incora, a global aerospace and defense supply chain service provider based in Fort Worth, Texas. Unical will operate as a standalone company in Platinum Equity's portfolio.

Platinum Equity operations executive Dori Konig will serve as interim CEO during the transition.

"We are excited to work with the talented Unical team to build on the company's impressive legacy as a trusted partner to aviation customers around the world," said Mr. Konig. "We will invest to accelerate the company's growth and further enhance its position in the global aerospace aftermarket."

With more than 85 million parts and over 1.3 million unique airframe and engine part numbers in stock, Unical is one of the largest suppliers of new and used serviceable material for the global aerospace industry. The company sources, re-certifies and resells aircraft parts to commercial airlines, cargo operators, aircraft lessors, and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. Unical is vertically integrated with its repair stations, providing a competitive advantage with quick to market service.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in City of Industry, CA, Unical has more than 450 employees and supplies aircraft parts and components to over 2,100 aviation customers around the globe through a network of dedicated facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Lazard served as financial advisor, Morrison & Foerster as legal advisor, and Alvarez & Marsal as restructuring advisor to Unical. Sheppard Mullin served as legal advisor to the seller. Morgan Lewis served as legal advisor to Platinum Equity on the transaction.

About Unical Aviation
Unical Aviation is an aftermarket parts and aviation solutions provider serving over 2,100 customers in 91 countries. Located at San Bernardino International Airport with two hangars totaling 125,000 square feet, Unical MRO is an FAA 145 Repair Station that provides parking, storage, maintenance, disassembly, and demolition for commercial and military aircraft. Unical 145 is an FAA 145 Repair Station specializing in mechanical, hydraulic accessories, aero structures, landing gear and composites for Boeing, Airbus, McDonnell Douglas and Bombardier platforms. Unical Aero is an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval company with design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities of non-OEM, FAA approved parts and components.

About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 40 operating companies that serve customers around the world. The firm is currently investing from Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, a $10 billion global buyout fund, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a $1.5 billion buyout fund focused on investment opportunities in the lower middle market. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O^® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 25 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 300 acquisitions.

Media Contacts:

Brian Postel, Unical Aviation
[email protected]
(909) 348-1700

Dan Whelan, Platinum Equity
[email protected]
(310) 282-9202

SOURCE Platinum Equity