Thornburg Bow River Advisers Backs Coltala Holdings in AeroParts Acquisition

Thornburg Bow River Advisers Supports Coltala Holdings' Acquisition of AeroParts Group

On March 5, 2025, Thornburg Bow River Advisers (TBRA) announced a strategic investment to support Coltala Holdings in their acquisition of AeroParts Group (APG). This partnership aims to elevate Coltala's mission in the aerospace sector by establishing Coltala Aerospace, which is pivotal for bolstering America’s critical infrastructure.

Located in Mansfield, Texas, AeroParts Group specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, which include component structural and composite repairs. The company delivers essential engineering and compliance consulting services as well as precision machining to a diverse client base that encompasses commercial, business, and military sectors. Within APG, three prominent businesses operate: Evans Composites, ACD Consulting, and AeroParts Machining. The leadership team includes CEO Dale Gable and Founder and COO Ricky Armstrong, who together achieved an impressive 60% growth last year, signaling a robust operational foundation for future expansion.

The support from TBRA, particularly from Aaron Arnett, Head of the Private Credit Team, underscores the significant impact that APG is set to make in the aerospace and defense industries. Arnett expressed excitement about helping the APG team capitalize on their existing groundwork to create an extraordinary platform for innovation and growth. This collaboration not only facilitates the acquisition but also helps enhance the ecosystems in which both companies operate.

Through its acquisition of APG, Coltala Holdings is constructing Coltala Aerospace, aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure with an emphasis on essential service companies. Coltala recognizes the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a strategic hub for the defense and aerospace industries, positioning Coltala Aerospace to foster vital innovations and growth in the region.

Edward Crawford, a Navy veteran and Co-CEO of Coltala Holdings, noted that