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Smith & Williamson has advised the shareholders of long-standing client British International Helicopter Services (“BIH”) on its sale to Patriot Aerospace Group (“Patriot”), part of the Rigby Group.
BIH is an operator of medium and large helicopters that serve civilian and military markets. It is headquartered in Sherborne, Dorset, and operates its Royal Navy and MOD contracts out of several locations in the UK and RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands.
The deal has made Patriot the largest British owned helicopter company in the UK with operations spanning national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations. It is owned by Sir Peter Rigby and is headquartered at Coventry Airport.
The acquisition of BIH supports Patriot’s strategy of expanding into commercial markets. The combined business now operates a fleet of 25 helicopters and employs more than 100 personnel.
David Roper, Partner, Smith & Williamson, said: “We are delighted to have supported BIH’s shareholders on a transaction that keeps the company under British ownership, includes a long-term commitment to the South West and will facilitate its further growth and development as part of an enlarged business. The Patriot Group is ambitious with strong management and we wish them every success.”
Mike Walker, Partner, Mobeus Equity Partners (one of the shareholders in BIH), said: “The Smith & Williamson team have been strategic advisers to BIH for over five years, during which they have demonstrated real commitment and enthusiasm for the business. Their expertise and knowledge of BIH were crucial in completing the deal.”
For queries, please contact Del Jones at JBP Associates on 0117 9073400