Tronair, a portfolio company of Golden Gate Capital, has announced the acquisition of Malabar and DAE. Founded in 1935, Malabar has been a key supplier of ground support and maintenance equipment for commercial and military aircraft, with its primary business in aircraft jacks, axle jacks (for changing aircraft wheels and tyres) and tripod jacks for in-hangar service of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Today, Malabar sells products in over 60 countries around the world and has expanded to include B787 and A350 coolant service carts, as well as hundreds of different types of fluid dispensers, test stands, weigh equipment, strut service equipment, nitrogen/oxygen equipment, wheel/brake equipment, engine stands and spares.

Harley Kaplan, President and CEO of Tronair, stated: “With the acquisition of Malabar, Tronair continues to add products that enhance our value to a broad base of global aerospace customers.” 

Chris Advani, President and CEO of Malabar, added: “We are excited to join the Tronair team and bring together these storied aerospace brands. The combination of Tronair’s existing brands with Malabar and DAE represents an aerospace ground support powerhouse.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.