Bristow to acquire BIH

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to the required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all customary closing conditions. It is expected to be an all-cash transaction.

BIH, founded in 1986, holds several key contracts from the UK’s Ministry of Defence, including for the provision of support helicopters in the Falkland Islands, as well as combined SAR and support helicopter services on behalf of British Forces South Atlantic Islands operations. BIH also provides the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) helicopter support program on behalf of the Royal Navy.

If the takeover is successful, Bristow would inherit these government service contracts, alongside BIH’s fleet of three S61 helicopters, two AW 189s in SAR configuration, and one AS365. BIH would also adopt the Bristow name and brand throughout its operations.

Bristow plans to employ BIH’s business connections to leverage new business, while exploiting the ‘economy of scale’ of it and BIH’s combined resources to enhance its existing operations and become more attractive to new partners.

'Complementary' business interests

BIH is also expected to enhance Bristow’s operations in the UK. Bristow is also a provider of services on behalf of the UK government – notably, it operates SAR helicopter services on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) under a contract which runs until 2026.

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, highlighted BIH’s ‘complementary business’, ‘capable team members’ and ‘history in working with the British Armed Forces’ as key justifications for the planned takeover.

Paul Southall, Managing Director of British International Helicopters, said: “With the right partnerships, infrastructure, and global reach, the business is now well placed for growth. We believe that ambition will best be served by BIH becoming part of an industry heavyweight like Bristow Group.”