Japan's Orix to buy Welsh aviation firm AerFin in ~£475M deal

What's the deal? Japanese firm Orix AviationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → is acquiring Newport-based aviation aftermarket specialist AerFinDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in a deal understood to be worth around £475m, including debt. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close towards the end of 2026.

Who are they? AerFin buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts, with operations in Miami, Singapore and Dublin. Founded in 2010 in Cardiff, it now employs more than 230 people globally — around half in Newport.

Why now? The deal follows strong 2025 results, with revenues up 25% to about £276m and Ebitda up 33% to more than £52m. It also provides an exit for AerFin's private equity backers and majority owner CataCapDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.

What's the endgame? Established in 1991, Orix Aviation owns and manages aircraft and provides asset management services to Japanese and international investors. It said the acquisition expands its "capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle."

What changes? AerFin chief executive Simon Goodson said the company would keep its Welsh roots while gaining "the backing to keep growing internationally." In 2025 AerFin moved from Bedwas to larger headquarters and maintenance facilities at Indurent Park in Newport.

The signal: The deal reflects growing appetite among asset managers for aviation aftermarket platforms, driven by demand for reused and optimised aircraft parts. Orix chief executive James Meyler framed the tie-up as supporting "a more sustainable aviation industry through the reuse and optimisation of aircraft assets."

Read more: BusinessLive

Image credit: kitmasterbloke