Appearance Group acquisition expected to increase business 50 percent

A firm that specializes in detailing private and corporate aircraft has made its biggest acquisition yet – and one that allows it to move into commercial aviation.

Appearance Group, a 24-year-old privately held company, has acquired the Allen Groupe’s U.S.-based operations, expanding its locations from 31 to 45 in 20 states and increasing employment to just under 300 people, president Matt Henry said.

“We believe in the strength of the domestic aviation market, and this acquisition puts us in a stronger position to operate in that market,” Henry said from the company’s corporate offices at 9424 E. 37th St. North.

Henry would not disclose financial details of the asset purchase of Allen Groupe’s U.S. business, which has been operating under Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy since July 2013.

He said the sale was approved by federal bankruptcy court, and the deal closed last week.

“It puts us in a position to serve new customers and broaden our service with current customers,” said Henry, who, with his father and CEO Don Henry, has owned Appearance Group since 1999.

Henry said even though there is some geographic overlap in locations between the two, Appearance Group offered positions to all Allen Groupe U.S. employees.

“The overwhelmingly attractive part of this deal was we know there are talented people in Allen Groupe, and we’re looking forward to bring them into the organization,” he said.

Appearance Group should see 50 percent growth in its business from the acquisition, Henry said.

The deal also gives the company its first foray into commercial aviation, serving airline customers such as Republic Airways, he said. Republic is an Indianapolis-based holding company of Republic Airlines, a regional airline operator for American, Delta and United airlines.

He acknowledged detailing a regional airliner is different work than doing so on a business jet.

“While the aircraft may be different, the commitment is the same,” Henry said.

Appearance Group’s work spans the inside and outside of aircraft. Exterior services include cleaning and waxing. On the inside, the company takes care of carpets and seats, including leather services. It also has the ability to repair aircraft cabinetry through the Henrys’ other company, Air Capital Interiors.

In addition to aircraft owners, Appearance Group’s manufacturing customers include Bombardier, Dassault and Textron Aviation.

This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Appearance Group acquisition expected to increase business 50 percent."