Antares Capital announced it is serving as administrative agent and lead arranger on a $145 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of AIM Aerospace by Liberty Hall Capital Partners. Headquartered in Renton, WA and founded in 1988, AIM Aerospace is a leading, independent supplier of composite ducting, substructural and interiors parts for the commercial aerospace industry.
“The team at Antares is responsive and knowledgeable about our space, making them a great partner on this transaction,” said Rowan Taylor, Liberty Hall’s founding partner.
“Liberty Hall’s aerospace and defense expertise along with AIM’s customer relationships and track record of success is a strong combination in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Diane Burton, managing director with Antares Capital. “We are very pleased to lead this financing and we look forward to supporting AIM management and Liberty Hall as they grow.”
AIM Aerospace Corporation is a leading Tier II independent supplier of composite ducting, substructural and interiors parts for the commercial aerospace industry. Formed through the acquisition of AIM Group in 2016, AIM Aerospace’s multiple and highly complementary capabilities allow the delivery of products to customers with optimal cost, quality and delivery. Based in Renton with additional facilities located in Auburn and Sumner, Washington, AIM Aerospace is currently executing a strategic plan to build its business through strategic investments in further capabilities, customers and platforms. The company’s largest customers include The Boeing Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Spirit AeroSystems and B/E Aerospace. AIM Aerospace was a 2014 recipient of the Spirit Supplier of the Year Award.
Liberty Hall Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in businesses serving the global aerospace and defense industry. Liberty Hall’s principals have a 20-plus year history of working together and have led the investment of $2.2 billion in equity capital in businesses serving multiple segments of the aerospace and defense industry and complementary industrial end markets. Liberty Hall develops actionable investment strategies for attractive segments of the aerospace and defense industry and then partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire leading businesses serving these segments and, together with them, develops sound, long-term strategic plans to build these businesses through a combination of strategic investments and strategic acquisitions.
Antares Capital is the leading provider of financing solutions for middle-market, private equity-backed transactions with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Norwalk (Connecticut) and Toronto. Antares has facilitated more than $120 billion in financing over the past five years, and was named 2014 lender of the Year by Mergers & Acquisitions. Antares also was recognized by Private Debt Investor and Private Equity International as 2013 Lender of the Year, North America and Mid-Cap Lender of the Year, North America, respectively.