Photo: Anuvu

Private equity firm Platinum Equity has moved to acquire in-flight connectivity (IFC) provider Anuvu for an undisclosed sum. 

Anuvu provides IFC services to more than 150 airlines and also licenses and distributes entertainment content for aviation and cruise industries, including 30 cruise lines. Anuvu, formerly known as Global Eagle, has been under its current ownership since 2021 after it went through a bankruptcy in 2020. 

This acquisition comes after last week, Anuvu activated the “Anuvu Constellation,” two Astranis MicroGEO satellites over North America that exclusively provide capacity to Anuvu. 

Platinum Equity has $50 billion of assets under management and approximately 60 companies. The firm’s leadership noted the opportunity for Anuvu to grow as passenger traffic grows and carriers are making investments in connectivity and entertainment. 

“Anuvu’s long-standing customer relationships, talented employees and global footprint provide a strong platform for organic growth,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Dan Krasner. “We also see opportunities to leverage Anuvu’s content and technology capabilities to expand further into adjacent markets, including non-theatrical verticals, media processing and delivery, advertising and other custom services.”

Platinum Equity announced the deal on Monday. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year and is subject to regulatory approval. 

Anuvu CEO Josh Marks, who has been with the company for 10 years, will continue his role after the acquisition. 

“We’ve made strong progress in recent years by investing in both technology and content, focusing on our core strengths in the aviation and cruise markets,” Marks said. “We are excited to partner with Platinum Equity to leverage their financial expertise, global capabilities, and operational know-how supporting fast-growing portfolio companies.”

Last year, Anuvu moved to streamline its focus on aviation and cruise by selling its maritime, energy, and government connectivity business operations to FMC GlobalSat.