Walkers' Ireland have advised LCI, a leading aviation company, on a pioneering joint venture with a US pension fund, with plans to build an aviation and helicopter portfolio valued in excess of US$300 million.
The joint venture is the world’s first direct-to-pension fund investment partnership in the rotary market. Its inaugural transaction is the acquisition of a portfolio of seven modern helicopters, manufactured by Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky valued at over US$70 million.
The Walkers team was led by Brendan O'Brien, working closely with Eoin Ryan (Of Counsel - Corporate) and Matt Hedigan (Partner – Asset Finance). They were supported by Cal Kane, Róisín O'Connor, Diana Pacheco and Michael O'Malley.
The pension fund and LCI are co-investors in the vehicle, with LCI also acting as manager.
The aircraft will predominantly operate in utility roles in Europe, the Americas and Africa. The partnership will focus on identifying and acquiring real asset opportunities, initially in the helicopter market, utilising a disciplined and strategic approach to portfolio management.
