Landmark Aviation Signs Agreement to Acquire Ross Aviation

April 23, 2014
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Ross Aviation is a leading operator of FBOs, with a network of 20 locations. The acquisition is expected to close during the second half of 2014.

(Houston, TX – April 23, 2014) Landmark Aviation announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ross Aviation, a network of fixed based operations located throughout the United States, from investment funds affiliated with Centre Partners Management LLC and management. The acquisition, which is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the second half of 2014.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Ross Aviation is a leading operator of FBOs, with a network of 20 locations in high profile major cities and resort destinations within the U.S., including Denver (BJC), Santa Fe (SAF), Miami (OPF), and six locations in Hawaii. The acquisition will increase the size of Landmark’s footprint to 60 locations in the U.S. and 76 locations globally.

“We are very excited about this acquisition, as the high quality Ross network is complementary to ours, and will extend the Landmark network to key U.S. airports, allowing us to better serve our customers,” explains Dan Bucaro, Landmark Aviation President and CEO. “We are also looking forward to working with the various airport authorities and becoming active members in each of those communities.”

Jeff Ross, CEO of Ross Aviation, said “We are excited for the many opportunities this combination will bring for Ross Aviation and its employees. We believe the transaction will further increase the value proposition for our customers, and we look forward to the combined company’s continued growth and success.”

Rothschild is acting as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Landmark. Harris Williams & Co. is acting as financial advisor and Dechert LLP is serving as legal advisor to Ross Aviation.

About Landmark Aviation

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Landmark Aviation operates a network of fixed base operations located throughout the U.S., and in Canada and Western Europe. The Company offers a wide range of services, including FBO, MRO, charter and management. Landmark is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group. For more information, visit www.landmarkaviation.com.

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with over $189 billion of assets under management. Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Fund of Funds Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs 1,500 people in 34 offices across six continents.

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About Ross Aviation

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Ross Aviation operates a network of fixed base operations located throughout the U.S. The Company provides aviation fueling, hangar and other line services to business and commercial aviation customers. Ross Aviation is a portfolio company of Centre Partners Management LLC. For more information, visit www.rossaviation.com.

About Centre Partners

Centre Partners, founded in 1986, is a leading private equity firm with a middle market focus that seeks to make acquisitions and equity investments alongside management teams who have or desire a meaningful economic stake in the future success of their businesses. Centre Partners has invested over $3 billion in more than 90 transactions in partnership with management teams. Centre Partners provides those teams with access to its unique resources, which include an extended network of experienced and proven operating executives. Additional information is available at www.centrepartners.com.