The Stephens Group announced the formation of Aptus Aero, a new aviation services platform focused on maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, alongside the acquisition of Atlas Aerospace Accessories and the appointment of Dale Gabel as Chief Executive Officer.
Aptus Aero is being established as a platform investment designed to build a scaled provider of highly engineered component repair services for the aviation industry. The strategy centers on acquiring and growing market-leading component MRO businesses to create a comprehensive service offering across the aviation ecosystem.
Concurrent with its formation, Aptus Aero completed the acquisition of Atlas Aerospace, a Part 145 repair station founded in 1978 and based in Doral, Florida. Atlas Aerospace provides repair services across a wide range of aviation components, including pneumatics, hydraulics, electromechanical systems, electronics, and fuel systems. The company supports a global customer base across cargo, passenger, and military aviation markets and services all major aircraft platforms.
The acquisition provides Aptus Aero with an established operational foundation and industry expertise as it begins executing its growth strategy. Atlas Aerospace’s longstanding reputation and nearly five decades of experience position it as a key initial asset within the platform.
In conjunction with the transaction, Dale Gabel has been appointed CEO of Aptus Aero. Gabel brings more than 15 years of experience in the aviation sector, including leadership roles as CEO of Aero Parts Group, Velocity Aerospace Group, and AirReady MRO Services. He will be responsible for driving the company’s strategy, operational excellence initiatives, and future acquisitions.
The Stephens Group is leveraging its experience in building businesses and investing in industrial and aerospace sectors to support Aptus Aero’s development. The firm intends to expand the platform through additional acquisitions and investments in leading MRO providers.
Atlas Aerospace leadership will continue to play a key role within the combined organization, ensuring continuity of service and operational expertise as the platform grows.
Support: XLCS Partners served as the exclusive M&A advisor to Atlas Aerospace on the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are excited to form Aptus Aero and begin building the leader in the aviation component MRO market. Bringing together the experience and leadership of Dale Gabel with the acquisition of a market leader such as Atlas Aerospace immediately provides a strong foundation for the Aptus Aero platform.”
Jack Nadal, Managing Director, Stephens Group
“In my 15+ years serving the aviation industry, I have never seen an opportunity as exciting as the formation of Aptus Aero. Stephens Group’s long legacy of building businesses and supporting industry operators, coupled with its robust aerospace experience and relationships, provide a clear pathway for the success of the talented teams at Aptus Aero and Atlas Aerospace.”
Dale Gabel, Chief Executive Officer, Aptus Aero
“We are thrilled to work with Stephens Group and the Aptus Aero team. Atlas Aerospace looks forward to continuing the high-quality service its customers have come to expect from its nearly 50 years of serving the aviation industry.”
Hollmann Guevara, General Manager, Atlas Aerospace and Alfredo Aguayo, General Manager, Atlas Aerospace
