Helideck Analytics acquires Helideck Certification Agency

Helideck Analytics acquires Helideck Certification Agency

26-Nov-2014 Source: Helideck Analytics

Helideck Analytics Ltd. is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Helideck Certification Agency (HCA), the world’s recognised leading provider of inspection and certification services for offshore helidecks. HCA is based in Aberdeen, Scotland and has satellite offices in Norwich, England and Bergen, Norway.

HCA is responsible for the inspection and certification of all helidecks on offshore vessels and installations operating in UK waters. In addition, the Company provides services to major oil companies, platform constructors, helicopter operators, shipping registries, and national civilian aviation authorities worldwide.

HCA also provides friction testing, specialist training and verification and consulting across all aspects of helideck safety. HCA was founded in 1997, by the UK helicopter industry in response to increasing oversight by the UK regulator. Prior to its acquisition by Helideck Analytics Ltd, HCA had been jointly owned by subsidiaries of Bristow Group, Inc. and CHC Group Ltd.

HCA is managed by Alex Knight, Search and Rescue trained by the Royal Navy in the 1970’s and a respected thought leader in the industry. Specializing in certification, regulatory and inspection, Alex sits on many industry committees and regulatory boards. On the acquisition, Alex commented “This is a logical and credible next step in the development of the HCA. We’ve established that we are the respected leaders in helideck inspection, and we’re now poised to extend our geographic reach and service offerings.”

Helideck Analytics Ltd. is led by seasoned helicopter executives David Dobbin and Neil Calvert.

Financing for the acquisition was provided by Praesidian Capital Europe, an innovative private investment firm, established in 2013 and based in London, focused on providing senior and subordinated debt along with growth capital to private lower middle market businesses in the United Kingdom, Germany, and selectively in Northern Europe. Jason Drattell, founder, and Christian Heidl, partner at Praesidian commented “We are excited to be involved with the team at Helideck Analytics and HCA. A strong business model combined with real world commercial helicopter experience positions them well for expansion.”

Executive biographies

David Dobbin served in various executive capacities with the predecessor company of CHC Group. David also led Canadian Ocean Resource Associates Inc., a consulting firm specializing in international best practice reviews in various sectors, third world institutional support, and public/private partnerships. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Good Times Restaurants Inc. (NasdaqCM: GTIM) and Small Island Investments Ltd.(a Bermuda corporation).

Mr. Dobbin commented “Today marks the culmination of a lot of effort working within the helicopter community to ensure the continued safety of crew and passengers alike. This industry has a strong background of collaboration in an effort to do what’s right and we have a talented team in place, driven to continue building on that track record.”

Neil Calvert has held various executive positions in CHC Group and Heli-One, CHC’s maintenance, repair and overhaul services subsidiary. Neil is currently CEO of Amur Helicopter Financing Services, based in Vancouver, Canada.

Mr. Calvert commented “I am very pleased to both renew connections to Aberdeen and to be involved in a crucial part of the ongoing improvement of flight safety in the offshore community.”

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