Platinum Equity announced that it has signed an agreement to sell Unical Aviation, a global provider of aerospace aftermarket solutions, to Satair, an Airbus company.
The deal also includes Unical’s subsidiary ecube Solutions, which provides aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services. The sale follows a four-year operational transformation program that Platinum Equity implemented after acquiring Unical in 2021.
During Platinum Equity’s ownership, Unical undertook modernization initiatives aimed at expanding its global reach and enhancing its competitive position in the aerospace aftermarket. These efforts included building a new leadership team with deep sector experience, introducing advanced technology platforms such as new ERP and e-commerce systems, optimizing facility locations to reduce cost, and expanding its inventory to include narrowbody and next-generation aircraft components. The firm also formed a dedicated asset management team and completed the acquisition of ecube to broaden Unical’s end-of-life service offerings.
Unical, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Glendale, Arizona, supplies aircraft parts and components to aviation customers worldwide. The company maintains an inventory of approximately 90 million parts and over one million unique component numbers. Ecube operates aircraft storage and disassembly facilities in Wales, Spain, and Arizona, enhancing Unical’s global service network.
The sale remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, with an expected completion in early 2026. Jefferies and Fifth Third Securities are serving as financial advisors to Unical, and Reed Smith is acting as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are proud of everything we accomplished at Unical. When we acquired the business, we saw tremendous potential to modernize its operations, expand its position within the aerospace aftermarket, and elevate its presence on the global stage. Over the past four years, we achieved those goals by partnering with the leadership team to implement advanced technology, expand global capabilities, and strengthen the company’s competitive position. This transaction is another example of how Platinum Equity can help family- and founder-owned businesses scale, innovate, and maximize their potential.”
Jacob Kotzubei, Co-President, Platinum Equity
“We invested in the people, processes, systems, and inventory Unical needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving aerospace market. From upgrading technology platforms to diversifying inventory and expanding service offerings, every initiative was designed to create a stronger, more resilient business. We are confident that under Satair’s ownership, Unical will continue to grow and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.”
Dan Krasner, Managing Director, Platinum Equity
“This transaction is a major milestone that reflects the hard work of our employees and the value we’ve created in partnership with Platinum Equity. The strategic moves we’ve made together to transform the business, combined with tireless improvement and disciplined execution, have positioned Unical as a global leader in the USM market. We’re proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
Sharon Green, Chief Executive Officer, Unical
