Greenbriar Equity Group has acquired West Star Aviation, a leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for business aircraft, from The Sterling Group, according to a report by Alternatives Watch.
The transaction marks the end of Sterling’s ownership, which began in 2022, and ushers in a new chapter of growth under Greenbriar’s stewardship.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, KKR credit funds led the debt financing to support the acquisition.
Founded in 1947, West Star operates a nationwide network of MRO facilities, serving all major business aircraft platforms. The company also offers mobile repair services through what it claims is the largest aircraft-on-ground technician network in the US.
John Griffin, Partner at The Sterling Group, expressed gratitude to the West Star team, noting the company’s strengthened market position under Sterling’s ownership. The investment was made through Sterling Group Fund V, which closed at its $2bn hard cap in June 2020.
Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star, highlighted the company’s progress in expanding service capabilities during its partnership with Sterling. He welcomed the transition to Greenbriar, citing the firm’s aviation aftermarket expertise as a strong foundation for future growth.
Noah Blitzer, Managing Director at Greenbriar, described West Star as “an exceptional business” well-aligned with the firm’s thematic focus on aerospace and aviation services. Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, Greenbriar targets investments across advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and business services, and recently ranked among the top performers in the HEC Paris-Dow Jones Mid-Market Buyout Performance Ranking.
Gene Kolodin, Managing Director at KKR, said the firm views West Star as well-positioned to capitalise on growth in the resilient and expanding MRO sector.
Legal counsel to Greenbriar was provided by Kirkland & Ellis, with Evercore acting as financial advisor. West Star was advised by Harris Williams and Jefferies as co-lead financial advisors, along with Solomon Partners. Latham & Watkins served as legal counsel to West Star.
