Kevin Gould
Aviation and Aerospace sell-side M&A
Managing Director at Peakstone Group
Aviation Insider · Middle-Market Sell-Side M&A

Guiding Business Owners Through Their Most Important Deal

Kevin Gould is a Managing Director at Peakstone Group, specializing in sell-side M&A for aviation and aerospace companies. Over a 30-year career he has served as CEO of Piper Aircraft and held executive roles at Boeing, Honeywell, ICON Aircraft, Eclipse Aerospace, and others. He now helps owners of middle-market aviation businesses achieve successful exits, mergers, recapitalizations and capital raises with disciplined process, strategic buyer access, and deep operator experience.

Typical client revenue: $10M–$500M
Focus: Owner-led aviation & aerospace businesses
Kevin Gould headshot
Kevin Gould
Managing Director, Peakstone Group

Sell-side advisor to founders, families, and investors in aviation & aerospace — bringing the perspective of a former CEO and operator to every transaction.

An Advisor Who Has Sat in the Left Seat

Most aviation M&A advisors have never run an aviation business. Kevin has spent his career doing exactly that — leading complex organizations through growth, restructuring, certification, supply chain challenges, and new product launches. That experience shapes a pragmatic, operator-first approach to selling a company.

  • ◆ Deep operator background: CEO of Piper Aircraft; executive roles at Boeing, Honeywell, ICON Aircraft, Eclipse Aerospace, and others.
  • ◆ Middle-market focus: Value creation and exits for companies between $10M and $500M in revenue.
  • ◆ Owner-aligned: Protecting culture, employees, and customer relationships while maximizing transaction value.
Snapshot
Years in aviation & aerospace
30+
Typical enterprise value range
$25M–$500M
Client profile
Founder-led · Family-owned · PE-backed
Regions
U.S. · Canada · Europe

A Disciplined, Confidential Sell-Side Process

From the first quiet conversation to closing and transition, the process is built around clarity, control, and owner objectives.

Phase 01

Readiness & Value Range

Assess financials, positioning, and value drivers.

Phase 02

Buyer Mapping & Approach

Target strategic & private equity buyers with professional marketing materials and controlled outreach.

Phase 03

Indicative Offers & Diligence

Manage 1st & 2nd round bids, prepare for management meetings, data room, and Q&A.

Phase 04

Closing & Transition

Manage LOI, Due Diligence, closing mechanics and smooth post-close transition.

Where Kevin Focuses

Middle-market aviation and aerospace businesses with clear technical content, strong customer relationships, and long-term operating history.

OEM supply chain and MRO

OEM, Supply Chain, MRO & Fleet Support

OEM and suppliers, MROs and fleet support organizations serving commercial, business, and special mission operators.

Aircraft systems and interiors

Systems, Structures & Interiors

Composites, interiors, structures, and systems suppliers supporting OEMs and completion centers across business and regional aviation.

Aircraft parts and components

Parts, Components & Distribution

Certified components, PMA, rotable pools, and distribution platforms that keep aircraft flying and fleets supported worldwide.

Engineering and avionics cockpit

Engineering & Avionics Services

Certification, engineering services, avionics integration, and technical consulting for OEMs, operators, and modification centers.

Business jet on approach

Charter, Management & Flight Services

Charter, aircraft management, and specialized flight services with strong recurring revenue and safety records.

Business jet departing from snowy runway

Niche & Advanced Applications

Businesses at the intersection of aviation, technology, and specialized missions where strategic buyers and investors see unique value.

Why Owners, Accountants, Attorneys, Wealth Managers and Advisors Call Kevin

Operator-Led Perspective

Decisions are grounded in real-world experience running aviation businesses — understanding cash flow, employees, customer relationships, supply chain, FAA/regulatory issues, certification risk, and the realities of the hangar and the factory floor.

Strategic & Financial Buyer Access

Relationships with OEMs, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, and private equity groups actively investing in aerospace. The focus is on fit, culture, and long-term value — not just the highest headline price.

Quiet, Controlled Execution

A low-profile, tightly managed process built to protect confidentiality, minimize distraction, and keep employees, customers, and suppliers focused on flying and operations.

Insights & Resources

Education first. These briefings share how aviation businesses are valued, how buyers think, and what makes a transaction successful.

Deal Pricing – DCF & Upside Opportunities

How buyers use discounted cash flow models and upside assumptions to set bid prices.

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Manufacturing Flow Times = Cash

Why shorter flow times free working capital and increase value before a sale.

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Outsourcing Decisions

Frameworks for deciding what to keep in-house versus outsource in aviation and aerospace operations.

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Value-Add of Sell-Side M&A Advisory

How a specialized advisor can improve outcomes, reduce risk, and expand the buyer universe for aviation owners.

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Let’s Talk Confidentially

Whether you are an owner exploring options over the next few years or a trusted advisor to an aviation business, Kevin is available for a confidential conversation about value, timing, and the right type of buyer.

✉ kgould@peakstone.com

☎ (425) 218-3723

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