US EditionSMBC-Backed Group Bags Air Lease in New Jet Finance Shake-Up
The acquisition forms a $28.2 billion deal including debt, creating one of the largest aircraft leasing entities to enhance competitive scale and financial strength.
- On Tuesday, a consortium led by Japan’s Sumitomo and the aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital agreed to purchase Los Angeles-based Air Lease Corporation in a $7.4 billion all-cash transaction.
- This acquisition follows growing industry consolidation driven by buyers with strong financing, as airlines increasingly lease modern aircraft to conserve cash amid fleet shortages.
- Air Lease, founded in 2010 by Steven Udvar-Hazy, is the fifth-largest aircraft lessor with 495 owned planes and 260 on order, focusing on providing airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft.
- Shareholders will be paid $65 for each Class A share, reflecting an 8% premium over the most recent closing price, with the deal anticipated to finalize during the first half of 2026 and the company subsequently renamed Sumisho Air Lease.
- Upon closing, the deal will expand SMBC's fleet to nearly 1,800 aircraft, reinforcing its position as a leading lessor and highlighting ongoing investment interest despite market uncertainties.
13 Articles
13 Articles
SMBC-backed group bags Air Lease in new jet finance shake-up
DUBLIN :A group of investors led by Sumitomo Corp and SMBC Aviation Capital unveiled plans on Tuesday to acquire U.S.-based Air Lease Corp in a $7.4 billion cash deal and bring it under the wing of one of the world's largest aircraft lessors.In a four-way deal, Sumitomo and SMBC, the world's third-largest lea
Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield to Acquire Air Lease Corporation in 100% Cash Transaction
NEW YORK & DUBLIN & TOKYO -- Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo managed funds (“Apollo”) and Brookfield, today announced that they have reached a definitive agreement to acquire Air Lease Corporation (“Air Lease”), a leading aircraft lessor founded by Steven F. Udvar-Házy and John L. Plueger with a portfolio primarily comprised of new technology aircraft. Upon closing, Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease, a newly establi…
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