UK charter broker Chapman Freeborn has signed an agreement to acquire ad-hoc air cargo charter operator Arcus Air Logistics and Arcus Air OBC from the Arcus Air Group.
Arcus Air Logistics, with a 45 year brand history, offers ad-hoc air cargo charter and on board courier services, primarily to the automotive industry.
Arcus Air Logistics provides cargo charter services with its own fleet of two Dornier 228-212 aircraft, and a variety of additional aircraft. Over the 2015-2019 period, the company’s average annual sales were €22m. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Chapman Freeborn, an Avia Solutions Group (ASG) subsidiary, said that Arcus Air Logistics is a “valuable addition” to its service portfolio, bringing “significant synergies” in the emergency cargo logistics space where Chapman Freeborn is already a player with “ambitious plans for future growth”.
Russi Batliwala, CEO of Chapman Freeborn, said: “We are proud to welcome the highly experienced teams of Arcus Air Logistics to our growing family. This is an opportune time to join forces given the trends in the global cargo logistics space.
“I believe Arcus Air Logistics will further strengthen our group’s business as we continue our strategy of growth through diversification in the niche aircraft charter industry.”
Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of the board of ASG, said: “While the aviation industry is living through a challenging time, identifying and acting on the right investment opportunities can be a real differentiating factor for businesses who will emerge from this crisis stronger than before.
“ASG is pleased to be able to support the growth of our family of companies; Chapman Freeborn’s latest acquisition is a prime example of our successful cooperation.”
Arcus Air Logistics, with representative offices in Germany, Spain and Slovakia will trade under its current name. Francisco Mühlens will continue to act as managing director.
