Rcapital completes acquisition of Adams Aviation

Adams Aviation is Europe’s leading distributor of parts and accessories for the general and business aviation maintenance community. Founded in 1968, the company has built a reputation over more than 55 years for fast, reliable parts supply, industry-leading traceability and deep technical expertise.

Headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, Adams Aviation holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and both CAA Part 145 and EASA Part 145 maintenance organisation approvals. The company also operates a specialist repair centre for aviation headsets, helmets and emergency locator transmitters.

As a first-line distributor with direct relationships to major component manufacturers, Adams Aviation maintains high levels of stock for immediate dispatch to a global customer base of airlines, operators, maintenance companies, armed forces and aircraft manufacturers.

The existing management team will continue to lead the business, with Rcapital providing strategic and operational support to drive future growth.

New ownership aims to accelerate Adams Aviation’s growth

The sale gives Adams Aviation a new ownership structure as it looks to build on its position in the general and business aviation parts distribution market.

Incora said Adams Aviation had been “an important part” of its wider business and had continued to serve the general aviation community with distinction. Kevin Matthies, President of Global Hardware at Incora, said the company was confident Rcapital would provide the right platform for Adams Aviation to build on its heritage and enter its next phase of development.

For Adams Aviation, the change marks what General Manager Mark Rogers described as “an exciting new chapter”. He pointed to the company’s experienced team, loyal customer base and long-standing reputation across Europe’s general and business aviation markets, while saying Rcapital’s backing would help the business accelerate growth plans, expand its capabilities and continue improving service for customers.

Rcapital said it saw Adams Aviation as a strong business with a proud heritage, an established market position and deep customer relationships. Sam Duberley, Investment Director at Rcapital, said the firm was looking forward to supporting Rogers and the wider team as the company moves into its next stage of growth.

KPMG, which advised Incora on the transaction, also highlighted Adams Aviation’s position in what it described as a buoyant MRO parts distribution market. Surinderpal Matharu, Head of Diversified Industrials M&A at KPMG, said Rcapital would provide “an excellent home” for the business as it pursues future growth.

This transaction represents another corporate carve-out acquisition for Rcapital, which continues to be the trusted partner for multinational groups seeking to optimise their portfolios, ensuring certainty, speed and strategic support in complex situations.

Rcapital was advised by Pinsent Masons (legal), Claritas (tax) and Seabury Capital (financial advisor). Incora was advised by Baker Mackenzie (legal) and KPMG Industrials M&A (financial advisor).