Advent International, the private equity firm who acquired Cobham put the sale sign up on the Australian passenger operation at the start of this year. Qantas ‘won’ the process, and probably they were the only bidder. QF have a strategic place for Cobham (right aircraft, right route 🤮
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Qantas did not pursue a takeover...Cobham was up for sale and unless QF came to the party, Advent would possibly shut down the operation.
Covid-19 recovery will mean the 717 will continue to have its place in markets previously flown by the 737. Nothing has changed. What did change was the possible risk of a new owner or more likely no owner. Qantas now retain control. They had no choice.