Antin takes majority stake in American HP Helicopters
Antin Infrastructure Partners has taken a majority stake in American company HP Helicopters, through its NextGen Infrastructure Fund I. The transaction targets a specialist in aerial firefighting and support for electrical infrastructure.
A majority stake in an American helicopter specialist
Antin Infrastructure Partners announced on October 1, 2026 the acquisition of a majority stake in High Performance Helicopters Corp (HP Helicopters), an American company specializing in helicopter services. The investment is carried out by the NextGen Fund I of the Paris-based manager.
Founded in 2005 by Brad and Tracey Bauder, HP Helicopters is based in Redlands, California. The company focuses on services for energy distribution infrastructure, construction, and aerial firefighting.
Its fleet currently operates for clients spread across ten states in the western United States. The client base includes federal and state government agencies, utility service companies, engineering and construction firms, as well as aerospace and defense actors.
Antin acquires a significant majority stake, while Brad Bauder retains a minority stake. The transaction is accompanied by the strengthening of the management team, with the appointment of Santiago Crespo as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the helicopter and aviation sectors.
The eighth investment of a 1.2 billion euro fund
This transaction constitutes the eighth investment of NextGen Infrastructure Fund I, endowed with 1.2 billion euros. The NextGen strategy targets companies with proven business models and technologies, requiring significant capital and expertise to achieve greater scale.
According to Antin, HP Helicopters has recorded sustained growth in a fragmented market, driven by two distinct trends. On one hand, the increasing need for emergency response to forest fires related to climate change. On the other hand, growing demand for heavy lifting services to modernize aging infrastructure and support the electrification and expansion of electrical networks necessary for artificial intelligence.
Angelika Schöchlin and Stephan Feilhauer, respectively Managing Partner and NextGen Partner at Antin, indicated their intention to accelerate the company's growth by expanding the fleet, increasing its efficiency, and pursuing the transition towards long-term exclusive use contracts.
Advisors and anchoring of the transaction
Antin was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP on legal matters and by Cozen O'Connor P.C. on aviation regulation. The sellers were assisted by Red Mountain Capital Advisors as financial advisor, Varner & Brandt LLP as legal counsel, and Jetlaw, LLC as aviation regulatory counsel.
This acquisition comes after several recent moves by the manager. On September 30, 2026, Antin concluded, through its Flagship Fund IV, an agreement to divest a majority stake in American Vicinity Energy, for an enterprise value of $2.92 billion covering 100% of the company.
Antin Infrastructure Partners manages over 33 billion euros in assets through its Flagship, Mid Cap, and NextGen strategies. The company, listed on Euronext Paris, has offices in Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Melbourne, and Luxembourg and employs more than 250 professionals.
