The Sunday Times reports that Mark Coombs, CEO of investment manager Ashmore Group plc, is reported as ready to bid for the London Heliport, aka Battersea Heliport.  Coombs is said to be in talks with current owner Andrew Davis, who was forced to hand his Von Essen Hotels group over to its bankers after the company owed more than it owed.

Coombs is profiled on Ashmore’s website as “Mark Coombs was appointed a Director on the incorporation of the Company in December 1998, and has served as its Chief Executive Officer since then.  He held a number of positions at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and led Ashmore’s buyout from ANZ in early 1999.   He is Co-Chair of EMTA, the trade association for emerging markets, having been on the Board since 1993.  Mark has a MA in Law from Cambridge University.”

Battersea Heliport is a critical part of London’s transport infrastructure, but is also on very valuable land, hence the Sunday Times’ estimated value of £35 million ($55M).  Coombs faces competition from an investment group that includes Matrix Group Ltd., the newspaper added.

The other main aviation asset in Davis’ portfolion – Premiair Aviation Group – is also reported to be for sale.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com