Helikopter - Ny stor eier i Norsk Helikopterservice

HNZ Group announces investment in Norsk Helikopterservice AS

HNZ Group Press Release

NHS currently operates one Sikorsky S-92 in support of Lundin Petroleum’s offshore facilities and performs ad hoc work for other oil and gas operators. NHS Photo

HNZ Group Inc. (the “Corporation”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced it has acquired an interest in Norsk Helikopterservice AS (NHS), an offshore helicopter provider based in Stavanger, Norway through a combination of common shares, representing a 49.9 percent voting and equity interest in NHS, and convertible debt.

NHS’s offshore operations provide crew transport to oil and gas customers within the Norwegian continental shelf. It currently operates one Sikorsky S-92 heavy aircraft in support of Lundin Petroleum’s offshore facilities and performs ad hoc work for other oil and gas operators. NHS employs approximately 25 people and has leased offices and hangar space at Stavanger Airport. The company is progressing towards profitability as it continues to develop its capabilities, infrastructure and relationships with customers in the growing Norwegian offshore market.

As one of the largest offshore helicopter markets in the world, the Norwegian offshore market consists of approximately 60 aircraft operated by four helicopter companies (including NHS), and exclusively employs heavy aircraft due to the distances and environmental conditions involved. Oil and gas operators continue to invest in Norway and both new offshore production facilities and exploration campaigns are expected over the next five years. NHS is well positioned to benefit from this new activity and retendering opportunities from existing contracts.

“We are very pleased to be investing in NHS and in Norway,” said Don Wall, president and chief executive officer of HNZ Group. “We believe NHS is poised for significant growth in the coming years and are committed to complementing the strong leadership team and helicopter operations at NHS. The addition of HNZ’s financial strength, technical expertise and economies of scale will assist in lowering NHS’s cost structure and position the company for upcoming tender opportunities. Given the current market conditions, we are excited about the opportunity to gain exposure to the Norwegian offshore market and how this partnership will accelerate the implementation of HNZ’s strategic plan,” concluded Wall.

“We are excited to have HNZ as a partner in executing our growth strategy in Norway,” said Bjorn Veum Seljevold, chairman of NHS. “The investment from HNZ Group will strengthen our financial position and increase our competitiveness. Partnering with HNZ, a financially strong and disciplined offshore helicopter operator, will enhance our standing with customers as we prepare upcoming bids. We look forward to working with HNZ and moving our company to the next level of success.”

The investment in NHS represents an aggregate cash consideration of NOK 25 million ($4.0 million) and will be funded by way of cash and a drawdown under HNZ’s credit facility. The proceeds will be used to fund NHS’s operations and expansion opportunities. The convertible debt, in the principal amount of NOK 8.4 million ($1.4 million), bears a fixed coupon at an annual rate of 5 percent, payable quarterly and is convertible into shares of NHS subject to certain conditions. HNZ’s investment in NHS and Norway represents its first in the European market and complements its operations in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.