SK AeroSafety Group is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of Frontline SRL, a leading independent MRO and aftermarket sales provider specialising in starter generators, oxygen systems, and aircraft lighting components.
Based near Milan Malpensa Airport, the acquisition of Frontline represents another important milestone in the SK AeroSafety Group’s mission to deliver exceptional support to the aviation industry through a global network providing consistent quality, proximity, best-in-class turn around times and excellent service. Frontline’s strong technical expertise further enhances the Group’s capabilities and expands its offering to aircraft operators, lessors, and MRO customers in Southern Europe.
Founded in 1987 by Roberto Rovere Sr. with a clear focus on electrical power and safety-related components, Frontline has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and responsive customer support across European helicopter operators. Through Roberto’s leadership, working with Roberto Jr. from 1996, the MRO and distribution business has grown with a consistent emphasis on technical excellence and proximity to its customers. Its purpose-built, modern facility in Angera, Northern Italy benefits from excellent proximity to major operators and logistics hubs, enabling efficient turnaround times and close customer engagement. Frontline’s specialist capabilities in starter generators, oxygen equipment, and lighting systems will quickly be complemented by SK AeroSafety Group’s extensive portfolio of capabilities.
Commenting on the acquisition, Ben te Beek, Chief Executive Officer of the SK AeroSafety Group, said: “We have been impressed by Frontline’s unwavering focus on high-quality service and outstanding customer responsiveness, which are values that sit at the heart of the SK AeroSafety Group. Frontline has built an excellent reputation in Italy, and we are excited to build on the strong legacy created by the Roberto Rovere Sr. and his family. We look forward to working with Roberto Jr. and the wider Frontline team as part of the Group and investing further in their capabilities to better serve customers across Southern Europe and beyond.”
Reflecting on Frontline’s journey and its acquisition by the SK AeroSafety Group, Roberto Rovere Sr., Chief Executive Officer of Frontline SRL, said: “From its foundation, Frontline has been built around customer satisfaction. We have consistently expanded our technical capabilities and geographic reach in direct response to our customers’ expectations, with a clear focus on quality, responsiveness, and reliability. I have been impressed by the shared values of professionalism and transparency demonstrated throughout the time I have spent with the leadership team at the SK AeroSafety Group. I am confident that, as part of the Group, Frontline will continue to deliver the best service to our new and existing customers.”
The SK AeroSafety Group supports the aerospace sector worldwide with MRO component services, establishing itself as a business built upon service, quality, and reliability – all in pursuit of its purpose: Keeping Aviation Safe. With industry-leading turnaround times and competitive pricing, the Group generates over EUR 125 million in annual revenue and employs a skilled workforce of more than 570 staff across its global operations, spanning 20 service centres from Los Angeles to Sydney.
The transaction is supported by SK Aerosafety Group’s existing sponsor Bridgepoint, which partnered with the company in 2023 via Bridgepoint Development Capital, a lower middle-market fund focused on supporting fast-growing businesses across Europe. The partnership between SK Aerosafety Group and Bridgepoint – one of the world’s leading mid-market investors with $87 billion under management – is focused on expanding the firm’s capabilities and geographic presence, positioning SK AeroSafety to pursue accretive acquisitions and investment opportunities while benefitting from Bridgepoint's global network and deep sector expertise.
David MacKenzie, Partner at Bridgepoint, added: “Frontline is a great fit for SK AeroSafety Group, bringing highly regarded technical capabilities and a strong local presence in Southern Europe. This is another well-executed step in the Group’s buy-and-build strategy, and we are pleased to support the team as they continue to expand SK’s capabilities, bringing best-in-class services closer to customers in key aviation hubs.”
With this acquisition, the SK AeroSafety Group reaffirms its dedication to providing top-tier aviation services while actively expanding its range of solutions to meet the current and future needs of the industry.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.