Brambles, the global supply-chain logistics provider has announced an agreement to divest CHEP Aerospace Solutions, the Groups unit load device (ULD) pooling, management, maintenance and repair provider for the aviation industry, to EQT Infrastructure II, a leading infrastructure fund. The transaction will be finalised in November 2016.
Brambles formed CHEP Aerospace Solutions in 2011 following the acquisition and integration of a number of prominent ULD solutions companies. Through subsequent acquisitions and Brambles’ asset management expertise, CHEP Aerospace Solutions has grown to become the global leader in pooling, management, maintenance and repair of ULDs used for the transportation of luggage and cargo in the airline passenger and air cargo industry.
Today, the business owns and manages approximately 100,000 ULDs, and serves more than 90 airlines across a network of 48 global services centres and 420 airports, supported by over 550 expert team members. EQT Infrastructure will support the continued development of CHEP Aerospace Solutions and will actively assist the Company in capturing new growth opportunities.
The existing CHEP Aerospace Solutions leadership team remains in place and will continue to focus on providing world class customer service and innovative solutions that are creating sustainable value across the industry. EQT Infrastructure is committed to further strengthen the Company’s capabilities and provide access to valuable industry experience through an industrial board of directors including senior leaders with aviation expertise.
The Company will retain its headquarters in Switzerland, along with regional operations centres in the UK, Thailand and the US and global service centres in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas. At an appropriate time following the completion of the acquisition by EQT, CHEP Aerospace Solutions will be rebranded to have its own unique identity.
CHEP Aerospace Solutions president, Ludwig Bertsch, said: “We would like to place on record our thanks to the Brambles team whose support and expertise has enabled us to develop the world’s leading ULD management network. We are excited to join EQT Infrastructure, one of the world’s most respected infrastructure funds, which combines the very best people with the industry expertise in infrastructure management that will allow us to continue to grow and provide smarter solutions and unparalleled customer service to the aviation industry.”
Ulrich Köllensperger, director at EQT Partners and investment advisor to EQT Infrastructure, said: “CHEP Aerospace Solutions provides critical infrastructure and services to the aviation industry and fits well with the EQT Infrastructure strategy of investing in medium sized operating infrastructure companies with opportunities for additional growth and development.
“The Company has a proven business model, an impressive customer base and a promising pipeline of prospective airline clients. The industrial board of directors including senior leaders with aviation expertise will support CHEP Aerospace Solutions in growing its asset base and offer pooling, management, maintenance and repair to more airlines globally
