Eliance: Swiss Life Asset Managers Acquires Majority Stake
Deal News | Apr 08, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Eliance
Swiss Life Asset Managers has acquired a significant majority stake in Grupo Eliance, a major global provider of specialized aviation services, through its investment fund Swiss Life Global Infrastructure Opportunities Growth II. The current minority shareholder, RiverRock, will maintain its commitment to Eliance's growth. This strategic move enhances Eliance's financial capabilities to expand in key markets such as Spain, Italy, and Croatia, also reinforcing its leadership in sectors like firefighting, medical transportation, and rescue operations. Founded in 1958 and based in Madrid, Eliance has grown from a specialized firefighting service provider to one of the top players in emergency air services across Europe. Eliance’s model is characterized by stable cash flow and robust asset weight, core elements sought by Swiss Life in its value-added investment strategy. The new partnership is expected to drive Eliance’s profitability and expansion potential in the European market. Lazard acted as the sole financial advisor to Eliance in the transaction, ensuring strategic investment for operational sustainability and growth.
Sectors
- Aviation Services
- Private Equity
- Infrastructure Investment
Geography
- Spain – Eliance was founded in Madrid and has significant operations throughout Spain.
- Italy – Eliance recently expanded its operations by acquiring an Italian operator.
- Croatia – Eliance initiated operations in Croatia as part of its international expansion strategy.
- Switzerland – Swiss Life Asset Managers is based in Switzerland.
Industry
- Aviation Services – Eliance is a specialist in providing emergency aviation services including firefighting and medical transportation.
- Private Equity – Swiss Life Asset Managers, a Private Equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in Eliance.
- Infrastructure Investment – The acquisition is executed through Swiss Life's infrastructure investment fund, emphasizing strategic infrastructure growth.
Financials
- – No financial specifics provided in the article regarding the deal price or transaction value.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grupo Eliance | Target company | Company | A global provider of specialized aviation services. |
| Swiss Life Asset Managers | Bidding company/buyer | Company | A private equity firm that acquired a majority stake in Eliance. |
| RiverRock | Selling company/vendor | Company | The current minority investor in Eliance, maintaining its stake post-transaction. |
| Lazard | Financial advisor | Company | Acted as the sole financial advisor to Eliance for the transaction. |
| Matthew Dooley | Director, Swiss Life Asset Managers | Person | Provides insights into Swiss Life's investment strategy. |
| Alessandro Graziano | Director of Investments, RiverRock | Person | Comments on the investment's significance for Eliance's growth. |
| Juan Carlos Martínez | CEO of Grupo Eliance | Person | Discusses the benefits of the investment in Eliance. |
| Fernando Gallardo | CFO of Grupo Eliance | Person | Provides additional comments on the strategic partnership. |