Aviation analytics specialist Accelya agrees buyout deal with Vista Equity Partners

Investment is first made by the firm’s permanent capital investment fund

A deal has been agreed that will see airline and travel sector financial, commercial and analytics specialist Accelya bought by investment firm Vista Equity Partners.

Vista’s investment in Accelya is the first made by the firm’s permanent capital investment fund Vista Equity Partners Perennial.

Vista said this fund is “focused on growing industry-leading vertical software companies through long-term investments in product expansion and feature enhancement”.

Accelya has been providing aviation companies with solutions and services covering financial, commercial, cargo and logistics for over 40 years. It has over 400 clients globally.

John Johnston, chief executive of Accelya, said: “Our clients count on us to deliver data-driven insights, efficiency and unrivalled value in a highly competitive industry, while also managing risk and compliance and delivering an excellent customer experience.

“Vista shares with us a long-term view and focus on product innovation that will allow us to accelerate the expansion of our solutions to propel our clients forward in the dynamic travel marketplace.

“On behalf of the team, I’d also like to thank Warburg Pincus for their valuable contribution and strategic insight over the years.”

Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman, and chief executive of Vista, said: “Accelya is at the forefront of innovation and positioned to shape the airline and travel industry for decades to come, making it an exceptional first investment for Vista’s Perennial Fund.

“We look forward to working with John and the talented management team at Accelya to identify further opportunities for growth as they continue to serve the leading airlines, travel agents, and shippers across the world.”

Warburg Pincus will exit its partnership with Accelya upon its sale to Vista, which is subject to agreeing final conditions and regulatory approvals.

In jurisdictions where it is required to do so, Vista will take appropriate steps to comply with any mandatory open offer requirements.

In a statement Adarsh Sarma and David Reis, managing directors of Warburg Pincus, said: “We are proud to have supported Accelya through a transformative period of organic and acquisitive growth, creating a truly world-class business.

“We want to thank John Johnston and his team for their unrelenting hard work and commitment during our ownership. We are excited for their next chapter with Vista who will continue to advance Accelya’s development and growth, building on its exceptional foundation of operational excellence and market-leading technology.”

Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Evercore served as the financial advisors to Accelya and Warburg Pincus. Kirkland & Ellis served as the legal advisor to Warburg Pincus.

For Accelya, Socios Financieros served as the management team’s advisor and Squire Patton Boggs served as the legal advisor. Goldman Sachs and Houlihan Lokey served as the financial advisors to Vista. Simpson Thacher served as the legal advisor to Vista.