Sentry Aerospares, a portfolio company of Acorn Capital Management, announced the acquisition of AirStart, a Canadian independent stocking distributor of rotable aircraft components focused on regional aircraft platforms. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition expands Sentry’s presence in the aviation aftermarket by strengthening its inventory portfolio, broadening customer relationships, and deepening its expertise in regional aircraft. AirStart is well known for serving airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, and aviation parts distributors with high-quality rotable components that are readily available to support aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations.
Founded by Robert Wills, AirStart will continue to be led by Wills alongside Anne Vinet following the transaction. The company has built a strong reputation in Canada and internationally through its customer service, product expertise, and long-standing relationships across the aviation industry.
AirStart’s headquarters and new facility adjacent to Toronto Pearson International Airport will become a key part of Sentry’s global operating network, complementing its existing hubs in London, the New York metropolitan area, and Dallas. The expanded footprint is expected to improve 24/7 AOG support while increasing inventory availability and responsiveness for airline customers worldwide.
Sentry said the combination will create meaningful commercial synergies through expanded inventory, cross-selling opportunities, and a broader range of hard-to-find aircraft components. The transaction also reinforces the company’s strategy of building a global aviation aftermarket platform through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Proskauer Rose LLP served as legal counsel to Acorn Capital Management and Sentry Aerospares. Deloitte Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial advisor to AirStart’s shareholders, while McMillan LLP served as their legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are excited to welcome AirStart to the Sentry family. Rob and Anne have built an outstanding business with a well-earned reputation for customer service, market expertise, and operational excellence. We have long admired AirStart’s leadership position not only in Canada, but across the world, and its deep focus on the regional aircraft market. Together, we will be able to offer customers a broader inventory portfolio, enhanced service capabilities, and greater access to hard-to-find aircraft components.”
Adam Nemenyi and Tony DiSimone, Co-Executive Chairmen of Sentry Aerospares
“This transaction represents a highly complementary strategic fit for both organizations. AirStart’s customer relationships, inventory profile, and regional aircraft expertise align exceptionally well with Sentry’s global platform and commitment to unmatched 24/7 AOG support. We see meaningful opportunities to leverage the strengths of both companies, creating value for customers while accelerating growth across the combined business.”
Boris Wolstenholme, Chief Executive Officer of Sentry Aerospares
“The acquisition of AirStart further enhances Sentry’s leadership position in the aviation aftermarket and strengthens its AOG rotables focus, with expanded capabilities, broader market coverage, and significant commercial synergy opportunities. We are excited to continue supporting the Sentry team as they execute on their growth strategy and further strengthen their position in the global aviation aftermarket.”
Greg Agnew, Partner at Acorn Capital Management
“Joining forces with Sentry marks an exciting new chapter for AirStart. From our earliest discussions, it was clear that the two organizations share a common customer-centric culture and a commitment to excellence. We are particularly excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for our customers, employees, and suppliers. By combining our strengths, we will be able to deliver greater inventory availability, expanded market reach, and enhanced support across the aviation aftermarket.”
Rob Wills, Founder of AirStart
