UK-based aviation and engineering company 2Excel Group has completed a growth capital and refinancing transaction with the backing of new capital partner Crestline. This underpins the long-term sustainability of 2Excel by providing new long-term capital support, funds the acquisition of 2EE and positions the group for further growth.

2Excel is a UK-based aerospace engineering company and special mission operator. It boasts the breadth of capabilities of much larger organisations while retaining the agility of a small to medium-sized enterprise.

Created in 2005, 2Excel started operating as the world's only commercial aerobatic airline the following year, before rapidly expanding to provide contract air services for the UK Government and the global oil and defence industries, as well as VIP charter flights and complex aerospace engineering. As a result, the business has grown from just five people and four aircraft at launch to today's 540 employees and 30 aircraft.

Founders Andy Offer, Chris Norton and Harant Singh says: "We've started the new financial year with a host of opportunities to build on extremely solid foundations. Crestline Europe is the right partner for the next phase of our growth strategy, and this agreement will super-charge that, allowing us to continue to build value for all our stakeholders.

"2EE is an MRO with an enviable reputation and extraordinary skills that is a critical supplier to our contract air services. Taking 2EE into the newly established 2Excel Group brings together two organisations with aligned strategies and complementary capabilities, which further reduces the Group's third-party risk.

"2Excel remains uniquely positioned thanks to its suite of approvals, its credibility with the regulators and its ability to rapidly turn complex aerospace concepts into capabilities. Its exceptional workforce has pulled together to deliver its operational plans and that collective effort has been recognised in this financial commitment. We look forward to a bright future in partnership with Crestline."

"2Excel combines impressive capacity for innovation with its operational capability to create a high-quality aerospace business," adds Crestline managing director Jonathan Redman. "With its combination of outstanding people, scope for growth and a contractually supported business model, 2Excel is precisely the kind of investment we seek for our capital at Crestline, and we are excited by this new partnership."