Aviapartner acquires SAT in France (150 people)
The AVIAPARTNER group continues to develop in France, by means of the take-over of part of the SAT (SAT=Societe de Services Aeroportuaires et Techniques) activities. SAT is the established handler at the airports of Bordeaux and La Rochelle and is also present in Marseille, Toulouse and Nantes.
The SAT group, organised in four legal companies, employed 150 people in France. It achieved a turnover of 10 Mio € in 2009. In December 2008, the SAT Company was put into receivership.
After the tender for the take-over of part of the SAT activities, for which the competition was intense, the Bobigny Commercial Court retained AVIAPARTER's offer on 23 December 2009. The main reasons for this decision are Aviapartner's financial strength, the quality of its social plan and its reliable services to its customers.
Due to this acquisition, AVIAPARTNER is now present at the airports of Bordeaux-Merignac and La Rochelle and extends its existing activities at the airports of Toulouse, Marseille and Nantes.
AVIAPARTNER was already leader in Ground Handling services for passengers in the French Province, due to its presence at the airports of Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes, Strasbourg and Lille, in some stations since 50 years. With the new stations in Bordeaux and la Rochelle, AVIAPARTNER is now present in all major French airports, besides Paris.
In the framework of this acquisition, AVIAPARTNER considers further expansion on short and medium term in France, where the group employs more than 1.400 people and achieved in 2009 a turnover of 80Mio €.
AVIAPARTNER provides Airport Ground Handling Services in 5 European countries and is leader in Ground Handling services for passengers in continental Europe.
The Group employs - 6.000 people and realises a consolidated turnover of more than 350 Mio € in 24 Handling (passengers) and 11 Cargo stations.
During 2009, the decrease in handling and cargo volumes in the aviation market has affected AVIAPARTNER, but less than the average of the industry.
The operational results of the Group in 2009 are positive. Furthermore, the group has strengthened its cash balances and benefits from a net debt free position at the end of 2009.