Ridgewood Infrastructure Successfully Sells APP Jet Center to Bain Capital
Ridgewood Infrastructure Announces Successful Sale of APP Jet Center
On March 11, 2026, Ridgewood Infrastructure, a prominent investor in essential infrastructure in the lower middle market of the United States, confirmed the successful sale of APP Jet Center (APP) to Bain Capital. This transaction is a strategic move, as APP has established itself as a vital player in providing aviation infrastructure services across key metropolitan markets in the U.S.
APP Jet Center operates a network of high-quality fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities that cater to a diverse clientele, including corporate, government, and private aviation sectors. Ridgewood secured a controlling interest in APP through a bilateral agreement, subsequently collaborating with APP's management team to implement various growth strategies. These initiatives not only aimed at expanding hangar capacity but also included a significant acquisition that bolstered APP's presence in Florida, a bustling hub for private aviation activities.
Ryan Stewart, a Partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure, expressed pride in the partnership with APP's leadership. He emphasized their dedication to providing consistent, top-tier service while simultaneously facilitating thoughtful business expansion. “By fortifying leadership, improving operational discipline, and investing in extra capacity, we transformed APP into a strategic and scalable general aviation infrastructure entity,” he stated.
Furthermore, Ross Posner, Managing Partner at Ridgewood, highlighted that this transaction is a prime reflection of their strategic investment approach. “APP exemplifies our action strategy. We identified a high-caliber lower middle-market infrastructure business and collaborated with management to scale and professionalize the operation. Ultimately, we positioned it for a successful exit to an owner seeking a robust infrastructure business that retains growth potential.”
This transaction marks a crucial milestone for Bain Capital as well, as they plan to capitalize on APP's established market presence and amplify its growth trajectory in attractive aviation markets across the nation. The successful closure of this deal, completed in March 2026, underscores the ongoing trend of capital flowing into the infrastructure sector, particularly in aviation services, which are poised for expansion in the coming years.
Although the financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, this acquisition illustrates the robust demand for aviation infrastructure amidst increasing air travel and the expansion of private aviation services. Legal advice for the transaction was provided by King & Spalding and Harris Williams served as the financial advisor to Ridgewood Infrastructure.
As Ridgewood Infrastructure continues its focus on essential infrastructure interests—spanning transportation, utilities, water, and energy—this sale positions them strategically within the aviation segment, enhancing their portfolio further. APP's successful transition under Bain Capital's stewardship is anticipated to usher in further growth and innovation in the aviation sector, reflecting a sustained commitment to enhancing infrastructural services relevant to ongoing market demands.
In conclusion, the sale of APP Jet Center marks a significant achievement for both Ridgewood Infrastructure and Bain Capital, paving the way for continued investment in the crucial aviation infrastructure market, underscoring its importance in the economy of the United States.