Wafra, a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, completed the acquisition of the platform of Aquila Air Capital, an engine lessor, from Warburg Pincus. Wafra entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Aquila on Oct. 18, 2024. Since then, Wafra has received all customary regulatory approvals to complete the transaction.
“We are pleased to announce the successful closing of our platform’s acquisition by Wafra,” Al Wood, CEO of Aquila Air Capital, said. “This investment is a significant endorsement of our team’s hard work and the value our platform brings to the market. Our team is thrilled about the future growth prospects the partnership with Wafra will provide, enabling us to accelerate our expansion, introduce new offerings and broaden our global customer base.”
“We are excited to close our acquisition of Aquila Air Capital and launch the next phase of its growth in partnership with Al and the entire Aquila team,” Edward Tsai, managing director of Wafra, said. “The demand fundamentals for Aquila’s business in particular, and aviation equipment finance more broadly, are strong. Aquila is well positioned to continue successfully serving its global customer base.”
ATLAS SP Partners, the warehouse finance and securitized products business majority owned by Apollo funds, provided a credit facility to support the acquisition of Aquila and fund its future growth. Evercore served as Aquila’s financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel. Sidley Austin served as legal counsel to Wafra.
