Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised Investec Bank (“Investec”) on the financing of a portfolio of one Leonardo AW139 and one Leonardo AW169 helicopters for RIVE Private Investment (“RIVE”).
The helicopters were acquired from Milestone Aviation Group with existing lease contracts in place with specialist European and US operators providing services to major energy sector clients. The helicopters are currently supporting offshore wind operations.
Dual-listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges, Investec was established in 1974 and provides private, institutional, and corporate clients with international banking, investment and wealth management services. Since 2002, Investec has been active in providing financing solutions to the global aviation industry.
RIVE is an independent European investment firm specialising in transportation assets and the energy transition. Founded in 2013, it has over €1.5bn AUM and has completed 100+ transactions.
The cross-border WFW Aviation & Aerospace team that advised Investec from an English law perspective was led by Paris Finance Partner Alexia Russell, supported by Paris Senior Associate Hugues Hounkpati, Associate Ciara Desmond and Trainee Ruairi Clayton, as well as London Senior Associate Michael Keightley. New York Senior Associate Julia Sim and Associate Chloe Sucato provided New York law advice.
Alexia commented: “Investec is a valued client and we’re proud to have advised them on another important aviation financing. The transaction reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared understanding of the dynamics shaping the aviation and energy transition markets”.
Matheson acted as Investec’s Irish counsel, whilst Odi-sé Avocats advised RIVE and Smith Gambrell Russel advised Milestone Aviation Group.
