Goshawk shareholders approve SMBC Aviation Capital offer

Dublin, 16th May 2022. Goshawk Aviation Limited (‘Goshawk’), the Dublin-based leading aircraft lessor, is pleased to announce that it has received approval from shareholders NWS Holdings Limited (‘NWS’) and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (‘CTFE’) for lessor SMBC Aviation Capital Limited (‘SMBC AC’) to acquire substantially all of Goshawk’s commercial aircraft leasing business, excluding any aircraft leased to Russian airlines (‘the Transaction’).

Ruth Kelly, CEO at Goshawk said: “I am so proud of the commitment and extraordinary achievements of the Goshawk team who created a world class leasing company, delivering innovative solutions to our customers and value to our stakeholders since 2013. I am confident that this marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as market trends point to growth in aircraft leasing with great opportunities for people involved in aviation.”

“We are extremely proud of what the Goshawk team has accomplished since its foundation in 2013 and more recently, having successfully navigated the depths of the global COVID-19 pandemic as well as the current uncertain geopolitical environment. The ability to achieve an attractive valuation reflects what Goshawk has accomplished under both the team’s and shareholders’ stewardship.” says Eric Ma, CEO and Executive Director of NWS.

Patrick Tsang, CEO of CTFE, commented, “We are extremely grateful for the partnership, dedication and commitment from every member of Goshawk throughout the years, especially through the recent challenging times the industry has been facing. At the same time, we are very excited for Goshawk’s next chapter with SMBC AC as they combine to become one of the top global aircraft leasing platforms.”

The acquisition is subject to applicable regulatory approvals and customary completion requirements and is expected to close in the second half of 2022.

Citi acted as lead financial advisor, HSBC acted as joint financial advisor and Clifford Chance acted as legal advisor.