Investec & RIVE agree finance deal for 12 HEMS helis

WFW advised Investec on financing a 12 HEMs helicopter deal.

Investec Aviation Finance has partnered with RIVE Private Investment on a 12-aircraft financing deal to support helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in France and Spain. The transaction involves a facility covering Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW109 helicopters, for three different operators.

“We are thrilled to partner with RIVE on this important initiative,” said John Shaw, aviation finance associate at Investec. “This collaboration supports our strategy to grow our helicopter financing portfolio. By investing in this important segment of emergency services, we also contribute to the well-being and safety of communities.”

Helicopters play a vital role in supporting governmental services for HEMS in both France and Spain, according to the partners. “By aiming to respond within the critical ‘golden hour’ for trauma and emergency care, helicopters such as these significantly improve patients’ chances of survival,” they said.

Raphaël Naim, investment director at RIVE Private Investment welcomed the new partnership as the firm grows its emergency services fleet. “We were impressed by Investec’s knowledge of the helicopter sector, their flexibility and ‘can do’ approach to problem solving that allowed them to provide pragmatic funding solutions,” he said.

Investec was advised by Watson Farley & Williams (Paris) and RIVE was advised by Odi-sé Avocats.

Meanwhile, in March RIVE appointed Pauline Gasquet as its new head of Sustainability to boost its ESG (environment and social governance) expertise.

Founded in 2013, the independent European investment firm RIVE specialises in essential assets in the transport and energy sectors. The investor has deployed more than €2.4bn across more than 100 investments. Its portfolio of investments include medical and safety aviation, way rolling stock and industrial equipment across  OECD countries.