Story ID: 
Premier To Expand Reach with DAT Acquisition
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Acquisition will provide Premier with not only 60,000 sq ft more space but also a background working with regionals, King Airs and helicopters.
Word Count: 198
Premier Aviation Overhaul Centre, one of the largest Canadian-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, is moving to expand its reach into the general aviation and regional markets with an initial agreement to purchase Canadian firm Discovery Air Technical Services (DAT). The initial offer hinges on due diligence and the execution of a definitive agreement. Premier expects to complete the acquisition by the end of next month. 

Quebec-based Premier operates two facilities in Canada and one in the U.S., spanning a total of 700,000 sq ft of hangar and shop space. Its focus has been on large regional aircraft and airliners. Premier is eying potential growth in the regional business with the DAT acquisition. But DAT also brings ratings in Beechcraft King Airs and Barons and Bombardier 600-series Challengers. DAT further has a background working with helicopters. Premier said the acquisition will provide much-needed capacity, along with an additional 200,000 man-hours. DAT operates a 60,000-sq-ft, six-bay facility in Quebec.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to expand Premier's reach, by adding the hangar capacity and tooling required to satisfy Premier's continuing growth and our growing customer base,” said Premier president and CEO Ronnie Di Bartolo.