The Sterling Group Announces Formation of New FBO Network, Acquires Destin Jet

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Sep 30, 2016, 03:24 ET

HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sterling Group, a middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, announced the creation of a new fixed based operator ("FBO") network and the acquisition of Destin Jet. Today's acquisition of Destin Jet, an FBO located at the Destin Executive Airport in Destin, Florida, is the first location in the new network.

Sterling has assembled a strong and experienced team to build the new network. Greg Elliott, a Partner at The Sterling Group, has been involved in building several FBO networks in the past fifteen years, including roles as Chairman of Encore and Trajen, and Board member of Landmark Aviation. Chad Farischon and Tyson Goetz, former members of both the Trajen and Landmark Aviation management teams, will lead and manage the network, executing a buy-and-build strategy. Chad and Tyson have purchased and integrated over 50 FBOs over the course of their careers.

"Sterling is thrilled to partner with a talented team in Chad and Tyson," said Greg Elliott. "Having worked together at both Trajen and Landmark, we knew that they were the right leaders to build a premiere network."

"Sterling shares our vision to build a national leader in aviation services," said Tyson Goetz. "Given their past experience in the industry and their track record of partnering with entrepreneurs to grow businesses through acquisitions, Sterling was the ideal partner for us."

Destin Jet, the sole service provider on the Destin Executive Airport field, serves resort destinations in the Florida panhandle area and the Emerald Coast. Destin Jet's facilities are world-class, featuring modern terminals with a wide range of passenger and crew amenities.

"We are looking forward to working with the airport and becoming an active member in the community," stated Chad Farischon. "Destin is the perfect first location for our network given the best-in-class customer service and facilities, all built out under the superb leadership of Jay Odom. We look forward to building on this successful model across the country."

Sterling and management are actively seeking acquisitions in North America.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 49 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $10.0 billion. Currently, Sterling has over $2.4 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.

SOURCE The Sterling Group