Japanese conglomerate Itochu has agreed to purchase a 50% stake in US-based aircraft leasing firm Aviation Capital Group (ACG) from Tokyo Century for $1.946 billion.
The deal, announced Monday, marks a significant expansion of Itochu’s aviation operations and represents one of the largest recent moves by a Japanese trading house into the Western aircraft leasing market.
Tokyo Century, a major Japanese financial services firm, will retain the remaining 50% stake in the leasing business.
The transaction underscores the strategic pivot of major Japanese general trading companies, or sogo shosha, toward high-yield infrastructure and aviation assets.
By acquiring a half-stake in ACG, Itochu gains immediate exposure to a substantial fleet of commercial aircraft, diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional commodity trading and logistics.
The move aligns with broader trends among Japanese conglomerates to seek stable, long-term cash flows in global aviation markets.
Tokyo Century, a major Japanese financial services firm, will retain the remaining 50% stake in the leasing business.