Exchange Income Corp., a Canadian company that acquires and operates aerospace, aviation and manufacturing businesses, is preparing its first-ever bond sale, according to people familiar with the matter. The Winnipeg-based firm plans to sell as much as C$500 million ($365 million) of bonds in what would be a significant milestone for the company's capital-raising efforts.

This move marks a strategic shift for Exchange Income Corp., which has historically funded acquisitions through a mix of cash flow and bank financing. The bond sale would provide the company with additional flexibility to pursue its acquisition strategy in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. The proceeds could be used to fund future deals or refinance existing debt.

The bond offering comes as Exchange Income continues to expand its portfolio of aviation and manufacturing businesses across Canada. The company's acquisition strategy has focused on stable, cash-flow generating businesses in niche markets. A successful bond sale would strengthen its balance sheet and potentially open up new opportunities for growth through acquisitions.