Leonardo to Buy Swiss Helicopter Maker Kopter Group AG

Leonardo has signed a contract with Lynwood (Schweiz) AG of Switzerland to acquire 100% of Kopter Group AG (Kopter) maker of SH09, a single engine helicopter

“This move allows Leonardo to strengthen its worldwide leadership in the rotorcraft sector; leveraging innovation, new capabilities and engineering skills which have been developed by the young Swiss Company,” a Leonardo statement said.

Kopter’s SH09, a new single engine helicopter, is a perfect fit for Leonardo’s state of the art 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. Within the Helicopter Division of Leonardo, Kopter will act as an autonomous legal entity and competence centre working in coordination with us.

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, said: “With this acquisition we will bring on board innovative skills and technologies that will complement our own whilst maintaining our financial solidity.”