State-owned Russian Helicopters is selling off a significant minority equity stake with the aim of gaining greater market penetration in the Middle East. Proceeds of the initial $300 million sale, about 12 percent of the company’s $2.35 billion value, will be used to implement a new business plan that includes the development of new helicopter models and possible mergers and acquisitions.
The incoming investor group, led by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and backed by a consortium of Middle Eastern funds, has the option to raise its non-voting stake to 25 percent with an additional $300 million investment. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF, said, "The consortium’s investment in Russian Helicopters will enable the company to continue its expansion into new markets, particularly in the Middle East, thanks to the participation of our partners from the region."
Andrey Boginsky, the new CEO of Russian Helicopters, said the investors' cash influx will enable the company to “accelerate the implementation of our growth strategy,” which includes “the provision of a leading after-sales service.” A previous attempt to raise equity for Russian Helicopters, by listing its shares on the London Stock Exchange in 2011, failed.