Overview
Aero Instruments & Avionics, Inc. (Aero), founded in 1968 and headquartered in Depew, NY, has been a stalwart in the field of aviation instrumentation and avionics for more than five decades. The company has carved a niche for itself through its specialization in the service of flight displays, indicator controls, autopilot systems and a plethora of other aircraft accessories, instrumentation and avionics. Aero’s long-standing commitment to quality service, quick turnaround times and competitive pricing has made it a trusted partner in the aviation industry. The company’s expertise spans a wide range of avionic systems, and its comprehensive service offerings have consistently met the stringent requirements of the aviation sector. Over the years, Aero has become synonymous with reliability and excellence, attributes that have cemented its status as a leader in the field.
Situation
Prior to a significant transaction in 2024, Aero was a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) owned company. This ownership structure fostered a sense of collective responsibility and pride among its employees and aligned their interests with the long-term success of the company. However, as Aero’s management team and Board of Directors began to explore future growth strategies and management succession in 2024, they recognized the need to transition ownership to better benefit the ESOP participants.
Aero’s leadership concluded that a controlled sale process with the right buyer would best meet their goals and objectives, including the continuation of Aero’s legacy of excellence and the maximization of benefits for the ESOP participants.
Solution
To facilitate this critical transition, in the summer of 2024, Aero engaged the services of SES ESOP Strategies and the company’s long-time counsel, SES’s affiliated law firm Stevens & Lee. SES was tasked with seeking a buyer for the sale of 100% of the stock held by the ESOP. The team initiated a controlled marketing process, leveraging their expertise to identify suitable buyers, and meticulously managed the due diligence process. SES also provided a written fairness opinion to Aero’s Board of Directors, opining that the transaction was in the best interests of all stakeholders. Meanwhile, Stevens & Lee played a pivotal role in negotiating the transaction, conducting legal due diligence and drafting the necessary transaction-related documents.
In October 2024, Aero’s ESOP successfully sold 100% of the company’s stock. This transaction marked a new chapter in Aero’s history, positioning the business for continued growth and success under new ownership. The management’s strategic foresight and the guidance from SES and Stevens & Lee were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
For more information on this transaction, please contact Steve Greenapple at 215.508.5634, Mark Russell, Head of Finance, at 817.566.1013, or Vince Capone, Vice President, at 215.508.7716.