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Rotorcraft Leasing Company Completes Acquisition of Go Helitrans
LAFAYETTE, LA., June 6, 2007 - Rotorcraft Leasing Company, L.L.C.
announced today that it has acquired Go Helitrans, a leading provider of
transportation services for personnel and equipment to offshore oil & gas
production platforms and drilling rigs in the western Gulf of Mexico.
Rotorcraft is an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global private equity
firm based in Miami.
Go Helitrans presence in the western Gulf is a strong complement to
Rotorcraft's existing footprint," said Lloyd L. Marks, Rotorcraft's President.
"We have already begun the integration of Go Helitrans' helicopter fleet and
employees into the Rotorcraft organization. This acquisition further
strengthens Rotorcraft's position as the largest privately-held helicopter
transportation company in the Gulf of Mexico. With our combined fleet of
approximately 100 helicopters, we will be able to better offer our valued
customers a competitive service offering from our first-class flight
operations center in Broussard, Louisiana. A close working relationship with
our customers is always our number one priority."
Go Helitrans is an operator of a fleet of FAR 135-certified helicopters
providing comprehensive logistics and transportation services to oil & gas
operators in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rotorcraft has been a strong competitor and will be an outstanding
partner," said Gregory Obert, founder and President of Go Helitrans. "The
combination of Go Helitrans and Rotorcraft will result in a highly positive
outcome for our customers and employees. Go Helitrans brings strong customer
relationships, excellent employees, and additional expertise to Rotorcraft.
The initial response to the transaction from our customers has been
overwhelmingly positive, primarily as a result of the expanded capabilities
and opportunities the combination will provide. I am excited to work with the
Rotorcraft management team to continue to grow the company."
Rodger D. Bagwell, Rotorcraft's CEO, expanded on the recent growth of the
company. "Go Helitrans is the third acquisition we have completed since 2005.
We have a strong track record of successfully integrating businesses we
acquire, and to drive continued growth. Rotorcraft is always on the look-out
for additional operating assets, in order to grow our fleet of helicopters in
line with our long-term customer base in the Gulf. We believe our partnership
with H.I.G. will allow us to continue to significantly increase revenues over
the next several years."
"We are excited about the strategic benefits of the combination of Go
Helitrans and Rotorcraft," said Brian Schwartz, Managing Director of H.I.G.
Capital. "Lloyd Marks and Rodger Bagwell have been terrific partners and have
an outstanding track record of success. We look forward to continuing to
support the Company's growth."
About Rotorcraft Leasing Company
Founded in 1990, Rotorcraft is the largest privately-held operator in the
Gulf of Mexico certified by the FAA to operate helicopter charters and execute
long-term leasing agreements under an FAR 135 certification. Rotorcraft
services the transportation needs of mid-major, "independent" oil & gas
customers through twelve air bases located throughout Southern Louisiana,
Texas, and Florida. Flight planning and tracking for our continually expanding helicopter
fleet are managed from central Flight Operations Support in Broussard.
Rotorcraft also provides full service helicopter maintenance via, our
FAA-certified helicopter repair services facility and Bell Customer Services Center,
including parts, engine, component overhauls, and avionics.
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