Paris-based maintenance, repair and overhaul provider Sabena Technics has bought helicopter operator Heli-Union.
Sabena hopes that the acquisition, announced Sept. 29, will boost its position in the military helicopter market.
Toussus-le-Noble, France-based Heli-Union operates a fleet of light, medium and large helicopters, performing offshore crew-change missions for the oil and gas industry, search and rescue and other utility tasks, as well as providing MRO for a wide range of rotorcraft including aircraft operated by the French Defense Ministry. The Heli-Union buy follows on from Sabena’s acquisition of Marseille, France-based Aeromecanic in 2020.
Sabena said that half of the French military helicopter fleet will now benefit from its services. This will serve as a “strong reference” point when building its export business.
“The acquisition of Heli-Union represents a major strategic step for Sabena Technics,” said Philippe Rochet, Sabena CEO. “We are now able to provide a rotary wing offer similar to our fixed wing offer for military aircraft.”
“We are fully confident in our ability to achieve a perfect integration and are convinced that this merger will create value,” Rochet added.
Through the acquisition, Sabena said it strengthens its pilot-training capacity and its international presence by taking on locations in six new countries.
To maintain business continuity, Heli-Union’s CEO Patrick Molis will join the board of directors of Sabena. Meanwhile, Jonathan Cosson, the deputy managing director of Heli-Union, will take over the general management of Heli-Union and is charged with integrating the helicopter activities of Sabena.
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