Leonardo has signed a contract with Lynwood (Schweiz) AG to acquire 100% of Kopter Group AG; this will allow Leonardo to further strengthen its world-wide leadership in the rotor-craft sector and “leverage innovation, new capabilities and engineering skills that have been developed by the young, agile Swiss company”.
Leonardo says Kopter’s SH09 — a new single engine helicopter — is a perfect fit for its product range, offering opportunities for future technological developments.
“The Swiss company’s competencies will boost future developments towards more disruptive technologies, mission capabilities and performances, including innovative hybrid/electrical propulsion solutions.
“This acquisition will replace the planned investment aimed at the development of a new single-engine helicopter.”
The purchase price, on a cash and debt-free basis, consists of a $185 million fixed component plus an ‘earn-out mechanism’ linked to certain milestones over the life of the programme, starting from 2022.
The closing of the transaction is subject to certain conditions and is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2020.
Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO (
www.leonardocompany.com), said: “With this deal, we confirm our commitment to strengthening Leonardo’s core business and sustaining our leadership in key areas.
"We will bring on board innovative skills and technologies that will complement our own and will help to keep us at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness.”
Primarily based in Switzerland, Kopter has been operating since 2009.
The company was originally called Marenco Swiss Helicopter and was re-branded as Kopter Group AG in 2018.