Bristow Group and Era Group have completed their merger, which is designed to create a financially stronger company with greater size and diversification. The combined company will use the Bristow Group name and will remain a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

“The closing of this strategic and financially compelling merger makes Bristow a larger, more diverse and stronger company, better positioned for the future,” says Chris Bradshaw, president and CEO of Bristow. “The combination brings long-overdue consolidation in the industry, better prepares us to navigate today's market challenges and ensures we remain the global leader in helicopter services with an outstanding culture focused on safety and providing excellent service to our valued customers.”

The merger strengthens Bristow's position, with significant operations throughout the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the UK and Australia for offshore aviation transportation and search and rescue solutions. The combined company offers a broad range of solutions through its fleet size and diversity, investments in new technology and safety features to meet the evolving needs of new and existing oil and gas customers and governmental agencies.

The combined company will be headquartered in Houston, Texas. It has an eight-member board of directors, including five members from legacy Bristow and two members from legacy Era, including the legacy Era CEO. The board of directors is comprised of Mark Mickelson, who will act as chairman, Christopher Bradshaw, Lorin Brass, Charles Fabrikant, Wesley Kern, Robert Manzo, Christopher Pucillo and Brian Truelove.