Eliance Strengthens Growth with Majority Stake Acquired by Swiss Life Asset Managers
Deal News | Apr 08, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Eliance
Eliance Group, a prominent player in the specialized aviation services sector, has announced that Swiss Life Asset Managers acquired a majority stake in the company. This acquisition was made through Swiss Life's Global Infrastructure Opportunities Growth II fund. RiverRock, the current shareholder, will maintain a minority shareholding, showcasing its continued commitment to Eliance's growth trajectory. This strategic move is poised to enhance Eliance's financial capabilities, facilitating its expansion across key European markets, including Spain, Italy, and Croatia, strengthening its leadership in sectors like firefighting, medical transport, and rescue operations. The firm, established in 1958 in Madrid, has grown from its initial focus on firefighting to a leader in air emergency services, with a diverse fleet and recognized Airbus maintenance capabilities in Spain. Recent growth includes acquiring Italian operator EliFriulia and extending operations into Croatia. The transaction, advised by Lazard, aligns with Swiss Life's strategic focus on investments characterized by core stability and cash flow reliability.
Sectors
- Aviation Services
- Private Equity and Infrastructure
Geography
- Spain – Eliance was founded in Madrid and maintains a significant presence with regulatory approvals for Airbus maintenance, highlighting Spain as a central operational hub.
- Italy – Eliance expanded its European footprint by acquiring EliFriulia, emphasizing Italy's strategic importance in its regional growth.
- Croatia – Recent expansions in Croatia target the growing demand for emergency medical helicopter services, indicating further market penetration in Southern Europe.
- Southern Europe – Southern Europe is a key geographical focus for Eliance's growth initiatives, driven by increased demand for air emergency services and strategic market expansion.
Industry
- Aviation Services – Eliance operates in specialized aviation services, including firefighting, medical transport, and rescue operations, expanding its influence in Europe.
- Private Equity and Infrastructure – Swiss Life Asset Managers' acquisition of Eliance's majority stake highlights the strategic investment in infrastructure, emphasizing stable cash flow and asset-heavy business models.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – Swiss Life Asset Managers' acquisition price in Eliance was not disclosed in the announcement.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliance Group | Target Company | Company | A leader in specialized aviation services, focusing on emergency operations across Europe. |
| Swiss Life Asset Managers | Bidding Company | Company | A private asset manager focused on infrastructure investments, acquiring a majority stake in Eliance. |
| RiverRock | Selling Company | Company | The current shareholder of Eliance that remains as a minority investor following the transaction. |
| Lazard | Financial Advisor | Company | Served as the sole financial advisor to Eliance during the transaction. |
| Matthew Dooley | Director Value-Add Infrastructure at Swiss Life | Person | Director involved in infrastructure strategy at Swiss Life. |
| Alessandro Graziano | Chief Investment Officer at RiverRock | Person | CI Oat RiverRock, overseeing the investment in Eliance. |
| Juan Carlos Martínez | CEO of Eliance Group | Person | Chief Executive Officer of Eliance, overseeing the company's strategic growth operations. |
| Fernando Gallardo | CFO of Eliance Group | Person | Chief Financial Officer of Eliance, responsible for financial strategy and growth initiatives. |
| Blanca Ahijado | Media Contact | Person | Media contact point for inquiries related to Eliance's transaction. |