Willis Lease Finance Corporation Completes Sale of Consultancy and Advisory Arm to Joint Venture with Mitsui & Co.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC), a prominent aircraft engine lessor, has announced the completion of its sale of Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML) to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), its joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Following the transaction, BAML will be renamed to Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML).
The strategic transaction strengthens the WMES platform by integrating technical consultancy and records management services into its operations. WMES, established in 2011 and based in Dublin, currently manages assets worth approximately $380 million, with expectations for growth following the expanded service offerings.
WLFC maintains its 50% ownership in WMES and will continue utilizing its services to support leasing operations while pursuing strategic growth initiatives in its aviation portfolio. The transaction marks a significant step toward deeper collaboration between WLFC and Mitsui in their joint venture.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC), un importante locatore di motori aeronautici, ha annunciato il completamento della vendita di Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML) a Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), la sua joint venture con Mitsui & Co., Ltd. A seguito della transazione, BAML sarà rinominata Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML).
Questa operazione strategica rafforza la piattaforma WMES integrando servizi di consulenza tecnica e gestione dei registri nelle sue attività. WMES, fondata nel 2011 e con sede a Dublino, gestisce attualmente asset per un valore di circa 380 milioni di dollari, con prospettive di crescita grazie all’ampliamento dell’offerta di servizi.
WLFC mantiene una quota di proprietà del 50% in WMES e continuerà a utilizzare i suoi servizi per supportare le operazioni di leasing, perseguendo al contempo iniziative di crescita strategica nel suo portafoglio aeronautico. Questa transazione rappresenta un passo importante verso una collaborazione più profonda tra WLFC e Mitsui nella loro joint venture.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC), un destacado arrendador de motores de aeronaves, ha anunciado la finalización de la venta de Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML) a Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), su empresa conjunta con Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Tras la transacción, BAML pasará a llamarse Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML).
La operación estratégica fortalece la plataforma WMES al integrar servicios de consultoría técnica y gestión de registros en sus operaciones. WMES, fundada en 2011 y con sede en Dublín, gestiona actualmente activos por un valor aproximado de 380 millones de dólares, con expectativas de crecimiento gracias a la ampliación de su oferta de servicios.
WLFC mantiene una participación del 50% en WMES y continuará utilizando sus servicios para apoyar las operaciones de arrendamiento mientras persigue iniciativas estratégicas de crecimiento en su cartera de aviación. La transacción representa un paso significativo hacia una colaboración más profunda entre WLFC y Mitsui en su empresa conjunta.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC)는 주요 항공기 엔진 임대 회사로서, Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML)를 Mitsui & Co., Ltd.와의 합작 투자사인 Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES)에 매각 완료했다고 발표했습니다. 이번 거래 후 BAML은 Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML)로 사명이 변경됩니다.
이번 전략적 거래는 기술 자문 및 기록 관리 서비스를 WMES 운영에 통합하여 플랫폼을 강화합니다. 2011년에 설립되어 더블린에 본사를 둔 WMES는 현재 약 3억 8천만 달러 규모의 자산을 관리하고 있으며, 서비스 확장에 따라 성장할 것으로 기대됩니다.
WLFC는 WMES의 50% 지분을 유지하며, 리스 운영 지원을 위해 계속 서비스를 이용할 예정이며 항공 포트폴리오의 전략적 성장 이니셔티브도 추진할 계획입니다. 이번 거래는 WLFC와 Mitsui 간 합작 투자에서 더 깊은 협력을 위한 중요한 단계입니다.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ : WLFC), un important loueur de moteurs d’avions, a annoncé la finalisation de la vente de Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML) à Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), sa coentreprise avec Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Suite à cette transaction, BAML sera renommée Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML).
Cette opération stratégique renforce la plateforme WMES en intégrant des services de conseil technique et de gestion des dossiers dans ses activités. WMES, créée en 2011 et basée à Dublin, gère actuellement des actifs d’une valeur d’environ 380 millions de dollars, avec des perspectives de croissance suite à l’élargissement de ses offres de services.
WLFC conserve une participation de 50% dans WMES et continuera d’utiliser ses services pour soutenir ses opérations de leasing tout en poursuivant des initiatives stratégiques de croissance dans son portefeuille aéronautique. Cette transaction marque une étape importante vers une collaboration plus étroite entre WLFC et Mitsui dans leur coentreprise.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC), ein führender Vermieter von Flugzeugtriebwerken, hat den Abschluss des Verkaufs von Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML) an Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), sein Joint Venture mit Mitsui & Co., Ltd., bekannt gegeben. Nach der Transaktion wird BAML in Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML) umbenannt.
Die strategische Transaktion stärkt die WMES-Plattform, indem technische Beratungs- und Dokumentationsdienste in den Betrieb integriert werden. WMES, gegründet 2011 mit Sitz in Dublin, verwaltet derzeit Vermögenswerte im Wert von etwa 380 Millionen US-Dollar und erwartet Wachstum durch das erweiterte Dienstleistungsangebot.
WLFC behält 50% Eigentumsanteil an WMES und wird deren Dienste weiterhin zur Unterstützung der Leasinggeschäfte nutzen, während es strategische Wachstumsinitiativen im Luftfahrtportfolio verfolgt. Die Transaktion markiert einen wichtigen Schritt zu einer vertieften Zusammenarbeit zwischen WLFC und Mitsui in ihrem Joint Venture.
- Integration of technical consultancy and records management services enhances WMES operational capabilities
- WMES manages substantial assets of $380 million with growth potential
- WLFC maintains 50% ownership stake in the joint venture
- Strategic expansion of service offerings strengthens market position
- None.
Insights
WLFC strengthens its joint venture with Mitsui by selling its advisory arm to WMES, enhancing strategic positioning while maintaining 50% ownership.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation has successfully completed the sale of its consultancy and advisory arm, Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML), to its joint venture with Mitsui & Co. The advisory business will be renamed Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (WAML), reflecting its new position within the joint venture structure.
This strategic transaction integrates technical consultancy and records management services into the operations of Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), enhancing the joint venture's capabilities in aviation asset management. WMES, established in 2011 and based in Dublin, currently manages assets worth approximately
The transaction represents the first step toward closer collaboration between WLFC and Mitsui, potentially setting the stage for significant growth in their partnership. WLFC maintains its
This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to optimize WLFC's business structure while strengthening its partnership with Mitsui. By consolidating complementary services within their joint venture, the companies are positioning themselves to better serve the global aviation market with comprehensive engine-related services. The integration should create operational efficiencies while potentially expanding the joint venture's customer base and service offerings.
Bridgend Asset Management Limited Renamed to Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announced today the successful close of its previously reported sale of Bridgend Asset Management Limited (“BAML”), its consultancy and advisory arm, to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (“WMES”), the Company’s long-standing joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”).
After the closing, BAML will be officially renamed Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited (“WAML”), reflecting its new position within the joint venture structure and its expanded strategic role going forward.
This transaction strengthens the WMES platform by integrating technical consultancy and records management services into its operations, enhancing its capabilities, reach, and efficiency across aviation asset management. WMES, established in 2011 and headquartered in Dublin, now manages assets totaling approximately
“This is a milestone for WLFC and our partnership with Mitsui,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC. “It is the first step towards closer collaboration and significant growth in our joint venture, WMES.”
“With this transaction, we deepen our collaboration with WLFC and expand the scope of WMES,” shared Yuichi Nagata, General Manager of the Aerospace Business Division at Mitsui. “This positions us to better serve the growing demands of the global aviation market and solidifies the joint venture’s role as a key platform for delivering comprehensive engine-related services.”
WLFC remains a
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
| CONTACT: | Lynn Mailliard Kohler Director, Global Corporate Communications |
| 415.328.4798 |
FAQ
What is the significance of WLFC's sale of Bridgend Asset Management to WMES?
How much in assets does Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES) currently manage?
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