Air Partner, the global aviation services group, has announced the acquisition of Baines Simmons Limited, a world leading Aviation Safety Consultant for a total net cash consideration of up to £6.0 million (US$9.4 million).
Air Partner pointed to the reputation of the Baines Simmons brand and the expertise of its employees within the aviation sector as key elements which should enable the business to help shape the evolving safety requirements in the industry. It said in particular, the sub-sectors of aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance.
“Baines Simmons has built an outstanding reputation working with many of the world’s leading aviation organisations in the areas of aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance and in the design and operation of Aircraft Registries,” said Mark Briffa, chief executive of Air Partner.
“Safety is the number one priority for all in the aviation industry and Baines Simmons is recognised as being at the forefront of the aviation regulatory authorities’ change in approach to drive the industry beyond prescriptive compliance to proactive performance-based regulation.
“The acquisition of Baines Simmons is an exciting step for Air Partner. We look forward to working with the team at Baines Simmons on a range of strategic and complimentary growth opportunities from new regulatory changes, busier skies, greater organisational complexities, geographic expansion and new performance products and services.”
Founded in 2001, Baines Simmons is a trusted consultant and advisor to more than 750 aviation organisations and more than 40 aviation authorities and has helped develop the skills and expertise of more than 120,000 aviation professionals. The company operates in three practice areas: Consulting, training and outsourcing.
The business has grown to be recognised as a world leader in Aviation Safety Consultancy, specialising in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management, advising clients across civil and military markets such as KLM, SAS, Thomas Cook, Thomson, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, The Isle of Man Government, BAE Systems, MoD, Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Airbus, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA).
Following acquisition, Baines Simmons will continue to be managed by its current executive team led by managing director, Andrew Parker and founders, Keven Baines and Bob Simmons and will remain headquartered at Fairoaks Airport in Surrey. Baines Simmons is the second acquisition made by the Group this year following the successful acquisition of Cabot Aviation in May 2015.
