Finland – MML Keystone announced the acquisition of Coptersafety, the largest independent provider of helicopter full flight simulator pilot training in Europe. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Coptersafety operates a purpose-built, state-of-the-art helicopter simulator training centre five minutes from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The company owns and operates five full flight simulators, covering the most in-demand light-medium and medium helicopter platforms used in emergency services, offshore, government and VVIP operations.

Coptersafety delivers mandatory, safety-critical training to professional helicopter operators globally, with approximately 95% of sales generated internationally. The business benefits from structurally strong demand drivers, long-standing customer relationships and limited industry capacity.

Coptersafety holds approvals from major aviation authorities, including EASA, the FAA, the UK CAA and Transport Canada among multiple other local Civil Aviation Authority approvals.

MML Keystone is investing alongside the existing management team, which will continue to lead the business and retain a meaningful shareholding. Sentica Partners, which has supported Coptersafety since 2015, will exit the investment following a period of significant growth and development for the business.

Statements

• Hannu Marjoniemi, CEO and Co-Founder of Coptersafety, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome MML Keystone as our new partner. Their experience backing asset-backed, essential services businesses and supporting international growth makes them an excellent fit for Coptersafety. This partnership will allow us to expand capacity, invest in additional simulators (along with new locations) and continue delivering the highest quality training to our customers worldwide.’
• Sharand Maharaj, Co-Managing Partner of MML Keystone, commented: ‘Coptersafety runs a scarce piece of safety infrastructure in European aviation: full-flight simulator training capacity on the helicopter types operators depend on for the most demanding missions. In a market where approvals are hard-won and capacity cannot be conjured overnight, Coptersafety has built a business with disciplined capacity economics and highly recurring demand. What stood out in diligence was outstanding and consistent operator respect for the training quality and the calibre of the team. We are excited to back management as they expand capacity in Helsinki and scale the business internationally.’

The MML Keystone deal team included Sharand Maharaj (Co-Managing Partner), Arttu Koivula (Investment Manager) and Javier Perez (Investment Associate).

Coptersafety and Sentica Partners were advised by: ICECAPITAL Securities Ltd (M&A Advisory) and Krogerus Attorneys Ltd (Legal).

MML was advised by: Danske Bank (M&A and Debt Advisory), Borenius (Legal), PwC (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Roland Berger (Commercial Due Diligence), Marsh (Insurance Due Diligence) and Sustainable Advantage (ESG).

Source: MML