SAF Aerogroup's European Expansion with Infracapital Backing

Deal News | Apr 14, 2025 | Infracapital

Infracapital has entered a put option agreement to acquire SAF Aerogroup, a leading European operator specializing in mission-critical aerial services such as emergency medical transport and firefighting. The investment, made through Infracapital Partners IV, aims to bolster SAF’s growth initiatives to enhance medical emergency and firefighting services in France and broaden its geographical footprint across Europe. With its headquarters in Albertville, France, SAF operates 90 aircraft from 30 bases, performs over 25,000 missions annually, and employs 550 people. This acquisition, pending regulatory and employee consultations, aligns with Infracapital’s strategic objectives of investing in vital infrastructure to support societal needs and economic growth within Europe. Infracapital co-partners with Vesper Infrastructure Partners to back SAF’s strategic imperatives, which include adapting to demographic healthcare demands and the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

Sectors

  • Infrastructure Investment
  • Aviation Services
  • Emergency Services

Geography

  • France – SAF is headquartered in Albertville, France and plays a crucial role in French emergency and firefighting services.
  • Europe – The acquisition supports SAF's expansion across Europe, enhancing its ability to provide services in multiple countries.

Industry

  • Infrastructure Investment – Infracapital focuses on investing in essential infrastructure like SAF, which provides mission-critical aerial services.
  • Aviation Services – SAF Aerogroup operates essential aviation services including medical emergency transportation and firefighting.
  • Emergency Services – SAF specializes in emergency medical transport, search, rescue operations, and firefighting services across Europe.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    InfracapitalAcquirerCompanyA financial firm investing in essential infrastructure, part of M&G Plc.
    SAF AerogroupTargetCompanyA European operator of mission-critical aerial services headquartered in Albertville, France.
    Vesper Infrastructure PartnersCo-investorCompanyA financial firm partnered with Infracapital for SAF acquisition.
    Herman DeetmanManaging DirectorPersonManaging Director at Infracapital involved in the SAF acquisition.
    Thibault NicodemeCo-CEOPersonCo-CEO of SAF Aerogroup.
    Jean-Louis CamusCo-CEOPersonCo-CEO of SAF Aerogroup.
    TeneoPRCompanyPublic relations firm handling media enquiries for Infracapital.