Thoma Bravo is in advanced discussions to acquire Boeing's Jeppesen navigation unit. According to Bloomberg, the deal could be finalized soon, signifying a considerable move by the private equity firm in the aerospace industry.
The Jeppesen unit is valued at more than $8 billion, attracting interest from a variety of private equity firms and aerospace suppliers due to its consistent cash flow. Besides Thoma Bravo, notable contenders include private equity firms like Silver Lake and partnerships such as Vista Equity with Warburg Pincus, and Advent International with Permira. Aerospace supplier TransDigm is also vying for the bid, which could result in its largest acquisition to date.
To facilitate the acquisition, financial backing is being offered by Citigroup and Apollo through private credit. Boeing has indicated that it plans to invite formal bids in the coming weeks, signaling progress in the sale process and emphasizing the strategic significance that interested parties place on Jeppesen's business model.