Welsh aviation firm AerFin bought in £475m deal

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The company said it was beginning a "new chapter"ByHuw ThomasWales business correspondentPublished26 minutes agoA Newport aviation company, that has grown into a global supplier of aircraft engines, parts and maintenance services, has been bought in a deal worth about £475m.Japanese firm ORIX Aviation has agreed to acquire AerFin, which employs more than 230 people and operates from sites in the UK and around the world.Founded by Bob James, AerFin has developed from a south Wales business into a global aviation aftermarket specialist.Announcing the takeover, AerFin described it as the start of a new chapter for the company.The firm - which was majority owned by a private equity company prior to the sale - buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and components.In 2025, the company moved into a new purpose-built, 116,000 sq ft facility, external at Indurent Park in Newport.ORIX Aviation is the aircraft leasing arm of Japanese financial services giant the ORIX Group.Image source, AerFinImage caption, Simon Goodson, AerFin's chief executive, said the deal would help grow the businessChief executive Simon Goodson called the acquisition a "defining moment" in the company's history."I am delighted that AerFin is joining the ORIX Group, a business that shares our values and belief in trusted partnerships, flexible solutions and finding the way ahead for our customers," he said.He said support from the wider ORIX Group would provide "the confidence and platform" to grow the aviation business."This is a defining moment in AerFin's story and the beginning of an exciting new chapter," said Goodson.AerFin has built its existing business around extending the life of aircraft and engines through trading, leasing, repair and reuse.It helps airlines and aviation companies source parts and manage assets. The company claims to serve more than 600 organisations.Image source, AerFinImage caption, AerFin moved into a new purpose-built facility in Newport last yearFor ORIX Aviation, the acquisition expands its activities beyond aircraft ownership and leasing, into aftermarket services and end-of-life aircraft management.The company said the combination would strengthen its capabilities across the entire lifecycle of an aircraft.James Meyler, chief executive of ORIX Aviation, said AerFin had built "a leading aviation aftermarket platform" supported by extensive technical expertise and an international customer base.The sale also marks the exit of Danish private equity investor CataCap, which had been the majority shareholder in AerFin.Founder Bob James said he was pleased to see the business move to what he described as "a long-term home", capable of supporting AerFin's next phase of expansion."I recognise a strong leadership team and a long-term home when I see one," James said.Related topicsWales businessWalesMore top stories£200m taxpayer-funded trains sit barely used for three yearsPublished5 hours agoSurreal moment Tarantino and Kylie Minogue came to my hometown to star in my new filmPublished5 hours agoCode cracked for shipwreck padlock solving 400-year-old mysteryPublished1 day ago