bd-capital Acquires IBA Aviation Data Firm to Boost Growth

bd-capital, a pan-European operator-led private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of IBA, a UK-headquartered provider of aviation data, intelligence, and advisory services. The deal, announced on April 14, 2026, marks a strategic move to enhance IBA’s data offerings and expand its footprint in the growing aviation financing market.

IBA, founded in 1988, delivers proprietary and mission-critical data products, advisory services, and asset management solutions to a diverse client base including airlines, lessors, maintenance, repair and overhaul providers (MROs), financial institutions, and governments worldwide. Its integrated platform comprises two core divisions: aviation data and analytics, and technical advisory services. These services support critical functions such as aircraft valuations, fleet planning, lease management, financing decisions, and regulatory compliance.

Under previous ownership by TPA Capital, IBA launched its Digital Solutions division, IBA Insight, which monetizes its extensive proprietary dataset accumulated over decades. By 2025, recurring annual subscriptions from this digital platform accounted for half of IBA’s revenue, highlighting significant growth potential in digital aviation data services.

bd-capital’s acquisition aims to accelerate IBA’s growth by leveraging its institutional expertise in scaling business information services. Graham, a seasoned executive with experience leading companies in the business information sector, including roles at the Financial Times Group and United Business Media, joins IBA as Chairman. He also serves on bd-capital’s Investment Advisory Committee and Operators Club.

Gerry, IBA’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We believe IBA has huge potential and are sure that the scale and experience that the team at bd-capital possess will help to achieve our ambitious plans for the business.” Graham added, “IBA’s proprietary information and technical expertise create a compelling platform with significant growth potential. The aviation finance sector is evolving rapidly, and demand for independent, high-quality data has never been stronger.”

IBA operates in a sector characterized by limited data transparency and scarce public information, particularly within aviation finance. Its proprietary data and independent aircraft appraisal services provide critical insights that address these challenges, positioning IBA as a trusted authority in the market.

The aviation data and intelligence industry is experiencing strong tailwinds driven by increased demand for transparency and technical expertise. bd-capital’s investment is expected to enhance IBA’s product offerings through integration of data analytics and advisory services, expand its client base, and improve scalability to meet growing market needs.

The transaction was supported by a range of advisors: bd-capital worked with KPMG (financial), Stephenson Harwood (legal), PwC (financial and tax due diligence), Palladium (digital and AI), and Altman Solon (commercial). IBA and TPA Capital were advised by Raymond James (financial), Squire Patton Boggs (legal), Simon Kucher (commercial), 8Advisory (financial and tax due diligence), and Crosslake (technology due diligence).

Looking ahead, bd-capital plans to leverage its operational expertise to streamline IBA’s data acquisition and processing, consolidate administrative functions, and invest in technology to enhance analytics capabilities. The partnership aims to capitalize on the growing demand for independent aviation finance data and advisory services, while navigating integration challenges such as maintaining data integrity and retaining key talent.

This acquisition strengthens IBA’s position as a leading independent provider in the aviation financing data and advisory market, with opportunities for geographic expansion across pan-European and global aviation finance hubs. The deal underscores the increasing importance of data transparency and technical expertise in aviation finance, setting a higher competitive standard in the sector.