Story ID: 
Bristow Acquiring British International Helicopter Services
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Bristow Group to acquire British International Helicopter Services, a company that provides services to the UK military. 
Word Count: 168
Bristow Group will acquire British International Helicopter Services (BIH), a company that provides lift, training, and search and rescue (SAR) services to the British military and civil customers. Part of the Rigby Group’s aviation division, BIH  operates a helicopter fleet that includes two Leonardo AW189s configured for SAR, three Sikorsky S-61s, and one Airbus AS365 for various passenger, freight transport, and hoist operations. 
The all-cash transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, following required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, and BIH will then assume the Bristow name. Bristow has operations in 15 countries, which include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the UK, and the U.S.
“This acquisition will further our government services business as we look to strengthen existing relationships and develop new partnerships throughout government sectors for safe and reliable vertical lift solutions," said Chris Bradshaw, Bristow president and CEO.