LDC, the leading-mid market private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, acquired its initial holding in Ascend when in 2005 it backed a the MBO of Airclaims, the leading provider of aviation claims, risk and asset management services. LDC recruited an entrepreneurial management team to spin-out a new company from the former information and consultancy arm of Airclaims, and the Ascend brand was born in 2006.
With LDC support Ascend has been pursuing a positive growth strategy, innovative product development, expansion into new markets and tactical acquisitions.
Ascend, headquartered in London with offices in New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo, delivers aircraft and engine data through online subscription services and provides valuations, appraisals and advisory services to a world-wide client base spanning aviation investors and financiers, lessors, manufacturers, operators and suppliers. Ascend plays a key role in informing decisions and identifying opportunities within the aviation industry.
RBI’s Flightglobal provides aerospace information and data services through www.flightglobal.com (the largest professional aviation website in the world), Flight International and Airline Business magazines, civil fleet data from ACAS, and real time news and business intelligence from Air Transport Intelligence.
Yann Souillard, Managing Director for LDC’s Southern Region, comments:
“Ascend is a great business with a superb management team, and has always been focused upon following a growth and development strategy. LDC has always been fully supportive of this. The new relationship with Reed will provide them with another platform to take the business even further, and we wish them every success for the future.”
Gehan Talwatte, CEO of Ascend, commented:
“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with LDC over the past six years who have been extremely supportive of our initiatives to expand the Ascend business globally. I am very excited about the opportunities this new era will bring. By combining our insight and expertise with Flightglobal’s growing global audience, distribution capabilities and unrivalled media presence, we can significantly extend the reach of the Ascend brand.”
Jane Burgess, RBI Managing Director, commented:
“Ascend brings to Flightglobal an impressive position in the global air finance market. This exciting acquisition adds important new data assets and expertise to Flightglobal’s existing aviation data business and provides Ascend with access to Flightglobal’s powerful global aviation audience and extensive marketing capabilities.”
Notes to Editors
LDC (Lloyds TSB Development Capital) is part of the Lloyds Banking Group and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
LDC has, since 1981, completed over 400 investments, has ongoing interests in over 60 businesses across the UK.
LDCback ambitious management teams from UK-based companies seeking between £2m and £100m of equity for management buy-outs, institutional buy-outs or development capital transactions.
LDC invests in a broad range of sectors and has particular experience in Construction & Property, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials, Retail & Consumer, TMT, Travel & Leisure and Support Services.
LDC is the leading private equity company in the UK mid-market. Recent transactions include investments with AIM, Antler, Easynet, Mountain Warehouse, JHP, SCS plus exits from Card
Factory, Porterbrook and VSG.
LDC has a UK regional network of 11 offices alongside an international operation based in Hong Kong.
About Reed Business Information Ltd
Reed Business Information Ltd brings market leading brands to an audience of millions of decision makers worldwide through its multi-platform media of data services, online lead generation services, community websites, magazines and events. Reed Business Information Ltd is part of Reed Elsevier, a world leading provider of professional information solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal and Risk and Business sectors.
About Ascend Worldwide Group Holdings Ltd
Ascend (www.ascendworldwide.com) is one of the world’s principal providers of data, analytics and advisory services to investors in aerospace. Its global team advises on aviation investment strategies to maximise returns and generate proven investment results. For over four decades, Ascend has supplied the most reliable, trusted and up-to-date aviation industry information and insight available anywhere.
Offerings include: aviation data; aircraft and engine valuations and appraisals; and advisory services. From financiers and lessors to aircraft manufacturers, operators and suppliers, the aviation industry relies on Ascend to help make informed decisions and capture new opportunities.