LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Atlas Air Worldwide, a global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor group (“the Consortium”) led by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo together with investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company and Hill City Capital in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise valuation of approximately $5.2 billion.


Under the terms of the agreement, Atlas Air Worldwide shareholders will receive $102.50 per share in cash, representing a 57% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price per share of Atlas Air Worldwide common stock as of July 29, 20221. Upon completion of the transaction, Atlas Air Worldwide will become a privately held company, and shares of Atlas Air Worldwide common stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Atlas Air Worldwide will continue operating under the Atlas Air Worldwide name, be led by John Dietrich and the current executive team, and maintain its global presence.

“We believe this transaction will deliver an immediate and certain value to Atlas Air Worldwide shareholders at a substantial premium, and we are pleased to reach this agreement with the Consortium,” said Duncan McNabb, Chairman of the Atlas Air Worldwide Board of Directors.

“The Board’s decision to unanimously approve this transaction follows a careful evaluation and thoughtful review of value creation opportunities for shareholders. We believe this transaction is the right next step to maximize value for our shareholders and the best path forward to accelerate the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plan and achieve its long-term growth objectives.”

“Over our 30-year history, Atlas Air Worldwide has grown to become a global leader in airfreight, delivering high-quality services to our diverse roster of customers around the world,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide.

“Following the closing of the sale to the Consortium, we will seek to leverage their resources, relationships, and industry expertise to build on our strong financial and operational performance. Their investment in our Company demonstrates their confidence in our people and our culture as we serve the growing needs of the global supply chain.”

“Atlas Air Worldwide is a market leader that continues to set higher standards for excellence within the airfreight industry,” said Apollo Partners Antoine Munfakh and Jason Scheir and J.F. Lehman & Company Partner Alex Harman on behalf of the Consortium.


“With the strong market demand and long-term secular tailwinds for global air cargo services, Atlas is poised to capitalize on many opportunities for continued growth as a fund portfolio company of Apollo, J.F. Lehman, and Hill City. We look forward to leveraging our resources, capital, and experience in the sector to support the talented Atlas team alongside our partners in this exciting next phase.”

July 1 29, 2022 represents the last full trading day prior to market speculation regarding a potential sale of the Company.

Approvals and Timing


The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2022 or first quarter 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Atlas Air Worldwide shareholders and receipt of regulatory approvals.


Atlas Air Worldwide Second Quarter 2022 Results


In a separate press release, Atlas Air Worldwide today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, which is accessible by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s corporate website at www.atlasairworldwide.com. In light of the announced transaction, Atlas has canceled the earnings conference call previously scheduled on Friday, August 5, 2022.


Advisors


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as an exclusive financial advisor to Atlas Air Worldwide. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is serving as Atlas Air Worldwide’s legal advisor.

Evercore is acting as the lead financial advisor to the Consortium. Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and Mizuho Bank are serving as financial advisors to the Consortium, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisors to Apollo and the Consortium entity, and Jones Day is providing legal advice to J.F. Lehman & Company and Hill City Capital.


Financing


Committed financing in support of the transaction was provided by Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Apollo Capital Management, Mizuho, and Credit Agricole.