Antin Infrastructure Partners has acquired a majority stake in US specialist helicopter operator High Performance Helicopters (HP Helicopters) for an undisclosed sum.
The investment is being made via Antin’s €1.2bn NextGen Infrastructure Fund I, marking the vehicle’s eighth transaction.
Brad Bauder, co-founder and CEO of HP Helicopters will retain a minority stake in the Redlands, California-based business.
Founded in 2005, HP Helicopters provides heavy-lift, aerial firefighting and utility infrastructure support across 10 Western US states.
HP Helicopters has appointed Santiago Crespo as chief financial officer to support the fleet expansion.
Angelika Schöchlin and Stephan Feilhauer, managing partner and NextGen partner, respectively, at Antin Infrastructure Partners, said HP Helicopters was a “good fit” for the NextGen, “which aims to build tomorrow’s infrastructure today”.
They added: “We see strong potential to take HP Helicopters to the next level by expanding the fleet, further increasing efficiencies, and continuing the transition to long-term exclusive use contracts with clients who want to ensure availability amid a structural supply shortage for heavy-duty helicopters.”
Bauder said: “We are excited to join forces with Antin. This partnership is about more than just capital – it also gives us access to resources and experience that will help accelerate the company’s growth.
“We see tremendous value in this partnership and are confident that this is the best way to safely scale and grow our specialty services company to help meet industry demand.”
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