#USA #Glendale #Platinum Equity #Unical Aviation #Satair

Platinum Equity Completes Sale of Unical Aviation to Satair

In a noteworthy development for the aerospace industry, Platinum Equity has finalized a definitive agreement to sell Unical Aviation Inc., a prominent global provider of aerospace aftermarket solutions, to Satair, an Airbus company. The announcement, made on November 7, 2025, illustrates Platinum's commitment to expanding its investment strategies while enhancing the operations of the businesses within its portfolio.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Glendale, Arizona, Unical Aviation is renowned for its extensive range of aircraft parts and components, encompassing used serviceable material (USM). This acquisition also includes Unical’s subsidiary, ecube Solutions, which specializes in aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services, further broadening Satair's service offerings in the aviation sector.

Platinum Equity originally acquired Unical in 2021, with the vision of revitalizing the company through a comprehensive operational transformation program. Over the span of four years, Unical embarked on a modernization journey focused on operational efficiency, technological advancement, and market expansion.

Jacob Kotzubei, Co-President of Platinum Equity, expressed pride in the achievements made at Unical during its transformative phase. “We noticed significant potential to modernize its operations and to expand its presence in the aerospace aftermarket,” Kotzubei remarked. Under Platinum's stewardship, several strategic initiatives were implemented:

• - Leadership Enhancement: A new leadership team comprised of seasoned professionals from the aerospace aftermarket was established to steer Unical through its transformation journey.
• - Technological Upgrades: The implementation of advanced technology platforms, including cutting-edge ERP systems and auto-quoting mechanisms, modernized the operational framework.
• - Optimized Operations: Unical’s geographic footprint was refined, relocating headquarters and MRO operations to a purpose-built, cost-efficient facility.
• - Inventory Diversification: The inventory was diversified to incorporate components suitable for narrow-body and next-generation aircraft, ensuring a more comprehensive product portfolio.
• - Investment in Asset Management: A dedicated asset management team was established to maximize returns and enhance operational efficiencies.
• - Strategic Acquisitions: The acquisition of ecube boosted Unical's capabilities, specifically in end-of-life services and expanded global reach.

Dan Krasner, Managing Director at Platinum Equity, emphasized the extensive investments made in people, processes, and technology to future-proof Unical amidst a rapidly evolving aerospace market. This comprehensive initiative not only fortified Unical’s business operations but also positioned it favorably for growth under new ownership.

Sharon Green, CEO of Unical, hailed the sale as a pivotal milestone, attributing the transformation's success to the dedicated efforts of their team and the partnership with Platinum Equity. Green highlighted that Unical's enhanced position in the USM market underscores the effective execution of their collective vision.

The completion of this sale is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals and is expected to finalize in early 2026. Financial advisors Jefferies and Fifth Third Securities are aiding Unical in this transaction, while ReedSmith provides legal counsel.

About Unical

Unical Aviation has established itself as one of the largest global suppliers of new and used serviceable material for the commercial aerospace sector. With over 90 million parts and more than a million unique part numbers in stock, Unical serves aviation customers all around the globe. Its subsidiary, ecube, provides premier services in aircraft storage and disassembly across multiple locations in Wales, Spain, and Arizona.

About Platinum Equity

Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has emerged as a major global investment firm, managing approximately $50 billion in assets and hosting a portfolio of around 60 operating companies across diverse sectors. Platinum specializes in a merger-and-acquisition-centric operational strategy, which has seen the firm successfully execute over 500 acquisitions to date.