East Alton, IL , April 29, 2016 – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce it has successfully reached an investment partnership with Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a leading middle market investment firm founded in 1961.
Norwest has made a significant investment in West Star Aviation, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing independent providers of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and related services to the business aviation industry. The transaction was completed on April 28, 2016.
West Star is an industry leader known for world class facilities, deep technical expertise and focus on customer service and satisfaction.
“On behalf of the entire West Star team, we are confident that our new partnership with NEP will help us successfully achieve our next level of growth. In partnership with NEP, our operating philosophy will remain grounded in our strong technical expertise, experienced employees, attention to detail, and a constant focus on customer service and satisfaction,” stated Robert Rasberry, West Star Aviation CEO.
Tim DeVries, NEP Managing General Partner, stated, “West Star’s solid business model and industryleading management team have helped to establish extremely high barriers to entry within the business aviation maintenance market. West Star has done a great job to earn a global reputation as a highlyvalued, ‘go-to’ MRO services provider, and we’re going to work hard to leverage their existing growth momentum along with our combined NEP capital and resources to further build and grow the company.”
Todd Solow, NEP Partner, shared, “From expanding service capabilities and facilities to key contracts and strategic growth initiatives, West Star is well-positioned for continued success. The right team is also in place to help lead the way.”
Voted #1 Preferred MRO in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Professional Pilot magazine annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey for three consecutive years, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.
In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL and Centennial Airport in Denver, CO. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation, Inc. is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.
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