BBA Aviation Eyes Acquisition Of Landmark

British aircraft services company BBA Aviation is reported to be in talks to acquire US competitor Landmark Aviation, which could be valued at more than USD$2 billion including debt.

BBA is participating in a sale process for Landmark Aviation, which is owned by private equity firm Carlyle and has attracted several bidders, including buyout firms.

Landmark Aviation has been exploring a sale as the corporate jet market is slowly recovering from a downturn sparked by the global financial crisis, helping valuations for companies offering services to that industry.

Houston-based Landmark Aviation provides engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments, paint and charter management for private aircraft.

London-based BBA, which has a market cap of about GBP£1.3 billion (USD$2 billion), has made several acquisitions of on-airport facilities servicing corporate jets in the Boston and Detroit areas in recent years.