Air Lease to be Acquired in $7.4 Billion Deal
Los Angeles based Air Lease, a leading global aircraft leasing company, on Tuesday said that it will be acquired by a new holding company based in Dublin, Ireland, whose shares are held by Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, and investment vehicles affiliated with Apollo managed funds (Apollo) and Brookfield.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, at the closing of the transaction, Air Lease stockholders will receive $65 in cash for each share of Class A common stock of Air Lease, representing a total valuation of approximately $7.4 billion, or approximately $28.2 billion including debt obligations to be assumed or refinanced net of cash.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Air Lease’s Class A common stockholders and receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
The cash consideration of $65 per share represents a 7% premium over Air Lease’s all-time high closing stock price on 28 August 2025, a 14% premium over the volume weighted average share price during the 30-trading day period ended 29 August 2025, and a 31% premium over the volume weighted average share price during the last 12-month trading period ended the same day.
Shaping Aviation Industry’s Future
Air Lease Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy said that since founding Air Lease in 2010, they have been unwavering in their mission to shape the future of the aviation industry and provide airlines around the world with access to the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
After thoughtful consideration, the Board has unanimously determined that this transaction represents the best path forward for the company as it will deliver an immediate premium and certainty in cash value to our Class A common stockholders, he said.
CEO and President of Air lease John L. Plueger said that this is an exciting next chapter for Air Lease and is a testament to the strength of its business, talented team and the long-standing partnerships they have fostered across the global aviation industry.
He added: “I am fully confident that this transaction will benefit all Air Lease common stockholders and the industry we serve. We would like to thank our talented and dedicated employees for helping us achieve this significant milestone and for their continued dedication as we prepare to enter this new chapter.”
Air Lease’s directors and certain executive officers have agreed to vote the shares of Class A common stock held by them in favour of the transaction. The transaction is not subject to any financing contingency.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor to Air Lease and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is acting as Air Lease’s legal advisor.
Air Lease and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customised aircraft leasing and financing solutions.
