2025 Year In Review

We never take for granted our continued success at XLCS.

Once again, we celebrate an outstanding year. We thank God for the opportunity to serve our clients and for the many blessings bestowed upon all of us.

Two aspects of our work continue to bring us the greatest fulfillment.

First, we are honored to play a meaningful role in the history of the companies we represent. Our heart for founder-owned businesses stems from the experiences of the two generations within our own firm. We recognize the grit, sacrifice, and perseverance of each generation that has built something truly special. Walking alongside these leaders, celebrating their achievements, and forming lasting friendships is a privilege we do not take lightly.

Second, watching our advisors and support staff thrive both personally and professionally brings us tremendous pride. These are good, honest, intelligent, and conscientious people who understand the weight of the work entrusted to us. They embody the XLCS ethos in every way: “Investment Banking to the Highest Degree.”

As we look ahead, we pray abundant blessings for you in 2026 and remain grateful for the trust you place in us.

Bob Contaldo
Chairman & Managing Partner
XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners at PACK EXPO East

XLCS Partners will be attending PACK EXPO East, taking place February 17 to 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event is the premier East Coast packaging and processing trade show, bringing together thousands of industry professionals and cutting-edge technology from more than 500 exhibitors representing 40+ vertical industries across packaging, processing, automation, and supply chain.

XLCS is among the most active M&A advisors in the packaging sector, with deep experience across packaging products, equipment, and services. Recent transactions include:

Click here to view additional transactions.

Our team looks forward to connecting with industry leaders to share insights on current M&A market conditions and opportunities for companies considering a sale, private equity investment, or growth through acquisition.

To schedule a meeting at the show, please contact:
Noah Shertzer, Senior Associate | P: 629.238.0120 | nshertzer@xlcspartners.com

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About PACK EXPO East
Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, PACK EXPO East is a biennial trade show designed to bring packaging and processing professionals together to discover innovative solutions, compare technology side by side, and build valuable industry connections. For more information and to register, visit www.packexpoeast.com.

XLCS Partners advises Airway Aerospace on sale to AxioAero Group

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Airway Aerospace LLC on its sale to AxioAero Group, a portfolio company of CORE Industrial Partners.

Founded in 2013, Airway provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for accessories, airframe, and powerplant components across commercial, cargo, and defense aviation markets. With FAA, EASA, and CAA UK certifications, RS-DER repair authority, and Owner-Produced Parts capabilities, Airway specializes in hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, flight controls, thrust reversers, nacelles, and fixed-wing structures. The company supports platforms including Boeing 737, Airbus A320 family, Boeing 747/767, Airbus A300/A330, and Boeing 707 military variants. Operating from three facilities in Florida and Georgia, Airway is known for fast turnaround, technical expertise, and flexible solutions.

Airway will continue under its current name and leadership. The acquisition by AxioAero accelerates Airway’s growth while preserving its identity and agility. This marks AxioAero’s second acquisition following Aviation Concepts in January 2024, also represented by XLCS Partners.

“For more than a decade, we’ve taken pride in building Airway into a trusted repair partner known for reliability, responsiveness, and a commitment to quality,” said Joe Ferrer, Owner of Airway. “Our success is driven by the dedication of our team and the strong relationships we’ve built with customers over the years. We view AxioAero as the ideal partner to support our continued growth while maintaining the standards and values that define Airway. None of this would have been possible without the guidance and unwavering support from the XLCS team.”

“It still feels like yesterday that we were shoveling gravel and using scissor lifts to build Airway from scratch,” added Jackie Ferrer, Co-Owner of Airway. “Seeing what the team has accomplished is truly humbling. Joining the AxioAero family allows us to keep innovating, supporting our customers, and creating new opportunities for our employees while staying true to who we are. We would, without hesitation, recommend XLCS to anyone considering selling their business.”

“XLCS continues to deliver best-in-class M&A results for its clients across the Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense sector,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner and head of XLCS A&D. “It’s rewarding to see great deals come together, with stellar outcomes for our clients.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Airway, and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner, and Noah Shertzer, Senior Associate. The transaction was completed on December 17, 2025.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally and is recognized for its vast experience advising owners of Aerospace & Defense businesses. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

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