Wesco Aircraft Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WAIR), one of the world’s leading distributors and providers of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Platinum Equity in a transaction valued at approximately $1.9 billion.
Upon closing, Wesco will be combined with Platinum Equity portfolio company Pattonair, a provider of supply chain management services for the aerospace and defense industries based in the United Kingdom.
Under the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Wesco’s Board of Directors, Wesco shareholders would receive $11.05 per share in cash. The cash purchase price represents a premium of approximately 27.5 percent to the 90-day volume weighted average share price for the period ended May 24, 2019, the last trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction involving Wesco Aircraft.
Wesco’s three largest shareholders, affiliates of The Carlyle Group and Makaira Partners, as well as the Snyder Family Trusts, support the transaction and have entered into voting and support agreements to vote their shares in favor of the transaction.
“We are excited about the opportunities a combination with Pattonair will provide Wesco. This is the right transaction for our shareholders, customers and employees,” said Todd Renehan, Chief Executive Officer of Wesco Aircraft. “This transaction is a strong validation of our customer value proposition, and it will allow us to find new and innovative ways to bring more value to customers, enhance relationships with suppliers and create additional opportunities for employees.”
Wayne Hollinshead, Pattonair CEO, said, “This is great news for our company and our customers and will create new avenues for growth and expansion. Wesco is an outstanding business with an impressive track record for innovation and customer service. We are excited about the prospects of working together.”
Louis Samson, Platinum Equity Partner, said, “Wesco’s broad customer base and industry-leading capabilities have positioned it well to benefit from long-term trends in the aerospace and defense industry. Bringing Wesco and Pattonair together will create a truly global enterprise, benefiting the combined customer base through increased scale and access to new technologies.”
Transaction Details
The transaction will be financed through a combination of committed equity financing provided by affiliates of Platinum Equity Capital Partners IV, L.P., as well as debt financing that has been committed to by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of calendar 2019 and is subject to Wesco shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.
Upon the completion of the transaction, Wesco will become a privately held company, and shares of its common stock no longer will be listed on any public market.
Advisors
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are serving as financial advisors to Wesco, and Latham & Watkins LLP is providing legal counsel to Wesco. Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is providing M&A legal counsel to Pattonair, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is providing financing legal counsel to Pattonair.