North Sea aviation specialist Offshore Helicopter Services (OHS UK) has been acquired by South African group Ultimate Aviation.
OHS had been bought in 2021 by CHC from Babcock International Group plc in 2021, along with Babcock’s offshore oil and gas operations in Denmark and Australia.
But after an investigation into the deal, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority last August determined that CHC would have to sell OHS UK.
A sale and purchase agreement between CHC and Ultimate Aviation was signed on December 30 and the sale has now been completed. OHS UK will operate under its current name, and its team will remain intact.
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Paul Kelsall, managing director of OHS, said: "With Ultimate Aviation's backing, extensive network and client base, OHS is set to expand and improve its services, while still maintaining our company culture, values, and commitment to our clients.
“Operating as an independent business working alongside the Ultimate Aviation Group we will be in a strong position to put in place a strategy and vision that suits our market and allows us to grow.
“We want to thank our employees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to OHS the past 18 months, and we look forward to the opportunities that this partnership will bring."
Shaun Roseveare, CEO of Ultimate Aviation, said: “This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our business, and we are looking forward to expanding our reach into Europe.
“The energy sector as a whole has faced significant challenges in recent years and OHS has not been immune to this.
“However, with steadier market dynamics now emerging both OHS and Ultimate Aviation believe that with the right plan in place there is significant scope for growth.
“With more operational freedom to react to changes in the market, OHS and Ultimate will work together to look at opportunities, apply operational excellence and develop new capabilities in order to secure a successful future for the group.
“I want to thank the OHS team for their dedication to the business during the 18 month CMA process. It has been challenging but the business has now come out of the process stronger with a clear road map ahead.”
