MRO & Manufacturing
HEICO Acquires 80% Stake in Sherwood Avionics to Expand Defense MRO
HEICO Corporation acquires 80% of Sherwood Avionics, enhancing its defense maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities across key aviation platforms.
HEICO Corporation Acquires 80% Stake in Sherwood Avionics and Accessories
HEICO Corporation has announced the acquisition of an 80% stake in Sherwood Avionics and Accessories, a Florida-based defense and commercial aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. The strategic move aims to bolster HEICO’s capabilities in the defense sector.
According to the official press release, the transaction was executed through HEICO’s Flight Support Group. The remaining ownership balance will continue to be held by members of Sherwood’s management team. While specific financial terms and transaction details were not disclosed, HEICO noted that the acquisitions is expected to be accretive to its earnings in the year following the closing.
HEICO Corporation is primarily engaged in the design, production, servicing, and distribution of products across niche segments of the aviation, defense, space, and electronics industries. This acquisition further expands its extensive portfolio of MRO services.
Expanding Defense MRO Capabilities
Sherwood’s Operational Footprint
Founded in 1992 and headquartered near Miami’s Opa-locka Airport in Florida, Sherwood operates as an FAA and EASA Part 145 repair station. The company specializes in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of complex, mission-critical mechanical and electro-mechanical components for defense and select commercial aviation platforms.
The press release details that Sherwood’s technical capabilities cover auxiliary power units (APUs), landing gear systems, wheels and brakes, pneumatics, hydraulics, fuel and lighting systems, and avionics components. In addition to its MRO services, Sherwood provides OEM-authorized distribution, engineering services, and manufacturing capabilities.
The company supports a wide variety of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Notable defense platforms serviced by Sherwood include the C-130, CH-47, F-15, F-16, and UH-60. Sherwood currently employs approximately 150 team members across two adjacent facilities totaling roughly 70,000 square feet.
Leadership and Strategic Fit
Following the acquisition, Bryan Farrell, a member of Sherwood’s leadership team, will continue to oversee the company’s operations from its current facilities. HEICO Co-Chairmen and Co-Chief Executive Officers Eric A. Mendelson and Victor H. Mendelson praised the acquisition in a joint statement.
“The HEICO Team has admired Sherwood for decades and this represents a highly strategic addition to HEICO’s Flight Support Group,” the executives stated in the company press release.
The Farrell family also expressed optimism about the partnership in the release, noting that HEICO represents a proven long-term partner that respects their culture, values their team, and shares a commitment to technical excellence.
Strategic Market Positioning
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a calculated strategic move by HEICO to deepen its footprint in the defense MRO sector. By securing a majority stake in an established provider with strong original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships and government alignment, HEICO is well-positioned to capitalize on ongoing defense sustainment needs.
The retention of Sherwood’s management team for the remaining equity stake aligns with HEICO’s historically decentralized operating model. This approach often relies on the expertise of incumbent leadership to maintain operational continuity, preserve company culture, and sustain long-standing customer relationships in highly specialized niche markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Sherwood did HEICO acquire?
HEICO acquired 80% of the stock of Sherwood Avionics and Accessories, with the remaining balance held by members of Sherwood’s management team.
Where is Sherwood located?
Sherwood is headquartered near Miami’s Opa-locka Airport in Florida, operating from two adjacent facilities totaling approximately 70,000 square feet.
What aircraft platforms does Sherwood support?
According to the press release, Sherwood supports various fixed-wing and rotary-wing defense platforms, including the C-130, CH-47, F-15, F-16, and UH-60.
Sources
Photo Credit: HEICO