Thoma Bravo Nears $8–$9 Billion Deal for Boeing’s Jeppesen Navigation Unit

Private equity giant Thoma Bravo is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Boeing’s Jeppesen navigation division in a deal potentially valued between $8 billion and $9 billion, according to Bloomberg News. An official announcement could come later this week, signaling a major move in Boeing’s strategy to streamline its operations and reduce debt through divestitures of non-core assets.

Jeppesen, based in Englewood, Colorado, provides aviation navigation tools and software. It has become a highly attractive asset for both private equity firms and aerospace suppliers, thanks to its reliable revenue model. Boeing acquired Jeppesen in 2000 for $1.5 billion. The company’s roots trace back to the 1930s, when founder Elrey Borge Jeppesen began selling pilot navigation charts while flying for a Boeing-owned airline.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that intense competition among bidders pushed Jeppesen's valuation beyond Boeing’s original $6 billion price target when the auction launched last year. Final bids reflect the growing demand for cash-flow-generating aerospace technology firms.

Neither Boeing nor Thoma Bravo has commented publicly on the potential deal. However, if completed, the transaction would represent another significant step in Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s plan to raise capital by shedding non-essential business units. For Thoma Bravo, which specializes in acquiring high-performing tech companies, Jeppesen fits squarely into its strategy of investing in mission-critical software businesses.

The anticipated acquisition highlights ongoing private equity interest in the aerospace and aviation tech sectors, where companies like Jeppesen offer stability and long-term growth potential amid a dynamic market landscape.