Atlantic Street Capital announced it has sold GAT Airline Ground Support, a provider of airline ground handling and catering services, to PrimeFlight Aviation Services.
GAT provides ground handling, cargo handling, and catering services through its Sky Café brand for airline customers across the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, employs approximately 6,000 people, and operates at nearly 70 airports across North America. GAT also offers safety management tools and cargo security screening services.
Atlantic Street Capital acquired GAT in 2017 from the company’s founding family. During Atlantic Street’s ownership, the firm said it invested in strengthening GAT’s management team, supported growth initiatives tied to new ground handling and catering contract opportunities, and helped the business navigate the COVID period and subsequent recovery. The firm also said GAT completed a strategic acquisition that expanded its footprint into Canada and added catering to its portfolio.
Support: Piper Sandler & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to GAT, and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES
“This moment belongs to the thousands of GAT and Sky Café team members who, day in and day out, have built this company through their dedication, grit, and pride in doing the job the right way. Our history spans decades of service, growth, and trust earned with our airline partners, and that legacy is something we carry forward with great respect. I also want to sincerely thank Atlantic Street Capital for their partnership and support over the last eight years—their belief in our people and our vision played a meaningful role in helping GAT become the company it is today. As we join PrimeFlight, we’re incredibly excited to become part of one of the world’s largest aviation and ground handling organizations—one that shares our commitment to people, safety, and operational excellence. Together, we’re positioned to build an even stronger future for our employees, our customers, and the industry as a whole.”
Mike Hough, Chief Executive Officer, GAT
“GAT’s proven, best-in-class ground handling services and highly differentiated, flexible catering service offering has driven unparalleled organic growth — well-positioned for continued expansion in both existing and new airports. By focusing on our disciplined and operationally focused investment strategy, our investment team worked closely with Mike and GAT’s management team to position the company for long-term growth and we are very pleased with this investment.”
Peter Shabecoff, Managing Partner, Atlantic Street Capital
