Tech-focused buyout major Thoma Bravo is closing in on a deal to acquire Jeppesen, the aviation navigation and software unit of Boeing, in a transaction that could exceed $8bn, according to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The acquisition would mark one of Thoma Bravo’s most significant plays in the aerospace and data services space, aligning with its strategy of targeting mission-critical software and tech-enabled businesses. An official announcement is expected later this week.
The Jeppesen divestment forms part of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s broader initiative to streamline the company’s operations and shore up its balance sheet through the disposal of non-core assets. The auction process for the Colorado-based unit reportedly attracted strong private equity interest, alongside bids from strategic aerospace buyers. Reuters previously reported that final offers for Jeppesen had pushed valuation expectations up from an initial $6bn target to between $8bn and $9bn.
Originally acquired by Boeing in 2000 for $1.5bn, Jeppesen has evolved into a key provider of digital navigation tools and aviation data services used globally by commercial airlines, business jet operators, and the military.
Neither Boeing nor Thoma Bravo responded to requests for comment.
