Plainview, NY, July 17, 2025 – Fortbrand Services LLC (“Fortbrand”) and Sasser, Inc. (“Sasser”) announced today that Fortbrand has acquired Xcēd Aviation Services LLC (“Xcēd”) from Sasser (the “Transaction”). Fortbrand is owned by funds advised by Basalt Infrastructure Partners LLP (“Basalt”).
Fortbrand is an essential service aviation infrastructure leasing business focused on Ground Support Equipment (“GSE”) and Airport Maintenance Equipment (“AME”). Together, Fortbrand and Xcēd will service ground handlers, passenger airlines, airports, cargo companies, and other end users with a fleet of over 4,900 pieces of equipment across more than 190 airports. Fortbrand and Xcēd operate in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
With this strategic acquisition, Fortbrand is expanding its footprint and increasing its ability to serve both single-site and multi-site customers with high-quality, responsive, and reliable service. “We are thrilled to welcome Xcēd’s customers and employees to the Fortbrand family,” said Jared Verano, President and CEO of Fortbrand. “This Transaction will support our long-term plan to enhance our asset base, deliver great service to our customers, and accelerate growth. With our expanded network, we will be able to respond faster, offer more equipment options, and draw from a greater team of experienced professionals to get the job done right.”
“In just over a decade, Sasser built, from the ground up, an innovative, customer-centric GSE leasing business and established a brand that is well-known across the industry. We are proud of the team and of the journey we’ve had with Xcēd, and we are excited to watch Fortbrand and Xcēd embark on this next exciting chapter,” said Jeff Walsh, CEO of Sasser.
“We are thankful to Sasser for allowing Fortbrand to acquire Xcēd, which will make Fortbrand a leader in leasing, renting and servicing Aviation Equipment in North America,” said Sal Calvino, Investor and Board member of Fortbrand since 2019.
“Fortbrand and Xcēd are leading providers of mission-critical equipment for the air transportation industry. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with Sasser to advance this Transaction, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of the combined business,” stated Wil Jones, Partner at Basalt. Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal counsel to Fortbrand.
Wells Fargo served as the exclusive financial advisor and Mayer Brown LLP served as legal counsel to Sasser.
About Fortbrand
Fortbrand is an essential service, transportation leasing business focused on GSE and AME. Founded in 1983, Fortbrand holds equipment on its balance sheet for rent or lease that is vital for aviation infrastructure and operations across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Fortbrand is headquartered in Plainview, NY. For more information about Fortbrand, please visit www.fortbrand.com.
About Basalt
Basalt is the investment advisor to infrastructure equity investment funds focusing on mid-market investments in utilities, power, transportation, and digital infrastructure in North America and Europe. Other investments by the Basalt funds in North America include Helios Power, Black Bear Transmission, Habitat Solar, Xpress Natural Gas, Skyway Towers, Fatbeam and OnSite Partners. For more information, please visit www.basaltinfra.com.
About Sasser
Sasser is a premier transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser’s subsidiary businesses are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, containerized shipping, and other transportation equipment solutions including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services. For more information about Sasser, one of Fortune’s “Best Places to Work in Chicago 2025”, or its business units—Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, CF Rail Services, Express 4×4 Truck Rental, and Falcon Lease—please visit www.sasser.com.
For Fortbrand media inquiries, contact:
Jared Verano
President & CEO – Fortbrand Services
(516) 576-3200 | [email protected]
For Sasser media inquiries, contact:
Tonya Medley
Director, Human Resources – Sasser
1-800-517-0455 | [email protected]