LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2026--

The Stephens Group, LLC (“Stephens Group”) is pleased to announce the formation of Aptus Aero, LLC (“Aptus Aero”), a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services for the aviation industry. Aptus Aero will serve as a new platform for Stephens Group with a focus on acquiring and growing market leading component MRO businesses. Stephens Group is executing on its mission to build a world-class provider of highly engineered component repairs for the aviation market.

Concurrent with its formation, Aptus Aero completed the acquisition of Atlas Aerospace Accessories, LLC (“Atlas Aerospace”). Founded in 1978, Atlas Aerospace is an open class rated Part 145 repair station located in Doral, Florida, providing aviation component repair services focused on pneumatics, hydraulics, electromechanical systems, electronics, fuel systems, and other components. Atlas Aerospace supports global customers across various end markets, including cargo, passenger, and military, and serves all major aircraft platforms.

Upon the acquisition of Atlas Aerospace, Aptus Aero also hired Dale Gabel to serve as Chief Executive Officer and lead strategy, operational excellence initiatives, and acquisition efforts. Mr. Gabel brings more than 15 years of experience in aviation markets, including previous roles as CEO of Aero Parts Group, Velocity Aerospace Group, and AirReady MRO Services.

“We are excited to form Aptus Aero and begin building the leader in the aviation component MRO market,” said Jack Nadal, Managing Director at Stephens Group. “Bringing together the experience and leadership of Dale Gabel with the acquisition of a market leader such as Atlas Aerospace immediately provides a strong foundation for the Aptus Aero platform.”

“In my 15+ years serving the aviation industry, I have never seen an opportunity as exciting as the formation of Aptus Aero,” said Mr. Gabel. “Stephens Group’s long legacy of building businesses and supporting industry operators, coupled with its robust aerospace experience and relationships, provide a clear pathway for the success of the talented teams at Aptus Aero and Atlas Aerospace.”

Hollmann Guevara and Alfredo Aguayo, General Managers at Atlas Aerospace, added, “We are thrilled to work with Stephens Group and the Aptus Aero team. Atlas Aerospace looks forward to continuing the high-quality service its customers have come to expect from its nearly 50 years of serving the aviation industry.”

XLCS Partners acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Atlas Aerospace.

ABOUT APTUS AERO, LLC

Aptus Aero, LLC is a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the aviation industry. Formed in 2026 by Stephens Group, Aptus Aero is committed to providing industry leading services by acquiring, investing behind, and growing leading component MRO service providers. Learn more about Aptus Aero at https://www.aptusaero.com/.

ABOUT ATLAS AEROSPACE ACCESSORIES, LLC

Atlas Aerospace Accessories, LLC is a Part 145 repair station located in Doral, Florida, providing component MRO services focused on pneumatics, hydraulics, electromechanical systems, electronics, fuel systems, and other components.

ABOUT THE STEPHENS GROUP, LLC

The Stephens Group, LLC is a private investment firm that partners with talented management teams to help build valuable businesses. Backed by the resources of the Witt Stephens, Jr. and Elizabeth Campbell families, the firm combines the operational expertise of a private equity firm with the flexibility provided by long-term capital. With over $2 billion of private equity assets under management, the firm has a long history of providing informed, sophisticated expertise and working with owners and managers to help them successfully achieve their strategic visions and build long-term value. Since 2006, Stephens Group has invested in over 50 companies, targeting investments in industries across the U.S., including industrial products and services, specialty distribution, and vertical software. Learn more about Stephens Group at https://www.stephensgroup.com/.

Media Contact:
Allie Laborde
pressreleases@stephensgroup.com
(501)320-0595