Leonardo has closed of the acquisition of Kopter Group AG from Lynwood (Schweiz). 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 acquisition of Kopter allows Leonardo to further strengthen its worldwide leadership and position in the rotorcraft sector, in line with the objectives of its industrial plan for the reinforcement of the core businesses.

Primarily based in Switzerland, Kopter has been operating since 2009, originally designated Marenco Swiss Helicopter and later rebranded as Kopter Group AG in 2018. The SH09 combines the latest available technologies and safety features, providing excellent performance at affordable cost for a variety of applications.

Leonardo will leverage the innovation, new capabilities and engineering skills that have been developed by the young, agile Swiss company. 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. This new product will benefit from Leonardo's industrial know-how, service and training experience and commercial network, while allowing it to achieve an even greater range of offer and market footprint. The Swiss company's complementary competencies will boost future developments towards more disruptive technologies, mission capabilities and performances, including innovative hybrid/electrical propulsion solutions.

Within the helicopter division of Leonardo, Kopter will act as an autonomous legal entity and competence centre working in coordination with Leonardo.