DMH Stallard takes lead project management role for Network Aviation Group on its acquisition of VIA Group

VIA Group is a Belgium-based provider of air freight services to Africa and is the go-to partner for seamless and secure Belgium-to-Democratic Republic of Congo air freight by offering regular full freighter charter flights. The Company also acts as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for cargo services within the territories of Belgium and Luxembourg. Founded in 1993, VIA has built a longstanding portfolio of freight forwarder and cargo owner clients and currently generates approximately EUR 20m in annual revenues.

Network Aviation Group (NAG) is a global air freight specialist whose services cover virtually all aspects of aviation cargo sales, logistics and management of freighter and passenger aircraft. Founded in 1985, the Group includes freighter, GSA and freight forwarding divisions and manages a fleet of freighter aircraft on a network of scheduled routes and charter operations throughout the world. NAG is headquartered near London’s Gatwick Airport and handles over 100m kilos of cargo annually.

The DMH Stallard team was led by Danos Athanasi, Corporate Partner. He commented:

“Absolutely delighted to have project managed this cross-border transaction for my longstanding client, Network Aviation Group. Fantastic support from the Sussex Corporate team at DMH Stallard (Chris Gleeson and Giedre Doig) together with our instructed Belgian counsel, Altius (Marie Brasseur, Richard Liu and Robbe Van Mieghem) to close this important, complex acquisition in short order.”

Danos added:

“The nuances of differing approaches to M&A negotiations and market standards across jurisdictions/cultures came to the fore and were managed excellently by all advisers involved resulting in a very positive outcome for both buyer and sellers. Very much look forward to seeing Via Group thrive as part of the Network Aviation Group of companies.”

Andrew Ballard, Group Finance Director, Network Aviation Group commented:

“Danos has acted as our Group General Counsel for over 10 years advising on and project managing various matters for us across multiple jurisdictions. We had no hesitation in placing our trust in him and his team to project manage this important transaction for us, liaising closely with our Belgian counsel, Altius and our Board throughout the process.”

Jonathan Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Network Aviation Group added:

“Everyone pulled out all the stops to close the deal in a tight timeframe and we are very pleased with the outcome. Via Group is a fantastic fit for us and we look forward to welcoming them into the NAG Group and building on their success.”

The Altius team was led by Marie Brasseur, Partner who commented:

“It was a pleasure working alongside DMH Stallard and the Network Aviation Group team on this strategically important acquisition. The seamless collaboration across legal teams and jurisdictions was instrumental in bringing this deal to completion, creating a strong foundation for future success and value creation for all involved.”

The transaction completed on 19 September 2025.

The DMH Stallard team included Danos Athanasi, Chris Gleeson and Giedre Doig.

The Altius team included Marie Brasseur, Richard Liu and Robbe Van Mieghem.