Stonebriar Commercial Finance (SCF) announced the acquisition of the Guggenheim Business Aircraft Investments team and is expanding its SCF business aviation subsidiary. The venture, which has closed 27 aircraft transactions since it was launched last year, will now be jointly led by former Guggenheim Aircraft Opportunity Fund portfolio manager Nicholas Sandler and former Banc of America executive Michael Amalfitano, who will both hold the title of executive vice president and senior managing director. Also on the SCF board is Kenn Ricci, founder of Directional Aviation, which owns charter operators Flexjet and Flight Options, as well as Nextant Aerospace.

The business so far conducted by SCF includes secured loans and operating leases on turbine-powered fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft (turboprops, helicopters and large-cabin, long-range business jets).

“Michael and Nick bring together a full spectrum of investment skills, vast industry experience and strong relationships in business aviation,” said Stonebriar president and CEO Dave Fate. “We are excited about starting 2016 with this acquisition, which continues to build on our significant momentum over the past year.”

Stonebriar is backed by Security Benefit, which holds more than $28 billion in assets.