INDIANAPOLIS,
Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Aero Logistics Inc., the
parent company of ATA Airlines, Inc., announced today the completion of its
acquisition of World Air Holdings, Inc., (OTC Pink Sheets: WLDA) the parent
company of World Airways, Inc. and North American Airlines, Inc. Global
acquired World Air in a cash merger with a price per share of
$12.50 and a
total transaction value of approximately
$315 million.
The combined company will provide diverse airlift services, including
scheduled and charter passenger service as well as cargo charters. The new
entity will have a combined workforce of more than 4,500 employees, 56
aircraft and 2006 revenues of approximately $1.6 Billion.
Global's majority owner is MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners
II. As a result of the merger, World Air Holdings will cease being a public
SEC reporting company and its stock will cease trading. World Air Holdings'
shareholders will receive instructions on submitting their shares to the
exchange agent for a cash payment.
About Global Aero Logistics Inc.
Global Aero Logistics Inc. is the parent company of ATA Airlines, Inc,
World Airways, Inc. and North American Airlines, Inc.
In its 34th year of operations, ATA offers affordable scheduled service
travel from destinations such as Guadalajara, Cancun, Hawaii, Oakland,
Chicago, New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Washington, DC. Through connecting
Southwest Airlines codeshare flights, ATA now serves customers in more than 60
markets. ATA is also a leading passenger charter airline serving the U.S.
military and many other government and commercial customers. ATA operates a
fleet of 29 aircraft. For more information, visit www.ata.com.
World Airways, Inc. provides customized transportation services for major
international passenger and cargo carriers, international freight forwarders,
the U.S. military and international leisure tour operators. Founded in 1948,
World operates a fleet of 17 wide-body aircraft to meet the specialized needs
of its customers. For more information, visit www.worldairways.com.
North American Airlines, Inc. offers air transportation services
throughout the world for the U.S. military and commercial customers. Founded
in 1989, North American operates a fleet of 10 aircraft in charter and
scheduled service. For more information, visit www.flynaa.com.
"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements that are
subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the
occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to
the termination of the acquisition agreement; the inability to complete the
acquisition due to the failure to obtain shareholder approval or the failure
to satisfy other conditions to the completion of the acquisition, including
the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 and the receipt of other required regulatory
approvals; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and
operations; the ability to recognize the benefits of the acquisition; the
amount of the costs, fees and charges related to the acquisition and the
actual terms of certain financings that will be obtained for the acquisition;
the impact of the substantial indebtedness incurred to finance the
consummation of the acquisition; the impact of competition in the market for
air transportation services; the cyclical nature of the air carrier business;
reliance on key customer relationships; and fluctuations in operating results.
These various risks and uncertainties may cause the company 's actual results
to differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of, the company in the release.