Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation for $105M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 23 2026
0mins
Bristow Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Berry Aviation from Acorn Capital Management for $105M, subject to customary purchase price adjustments, in an all-cash transaction. Berry Aviation will add special mission capabilities and long-standing relationships with U.S. defense and government customers, strengthening Bristow's Government Services offerings. The acquisition is expected to enhance the quality of Bristow's earnings through increased exposure to contracted government services and multi-mission aviation activities. Headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, Berry Aviation operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft primarily providing government and defense aviation services across multiple countries. In 2025, Berry Aviation had total revenues of approximately $108M. The planned exit of the Norway Offshore Energy Services business and addition of Berry Aviation would have been neutral to Bristow's 2025 EBITDA on a pro forma basis. Bristow expects Berry Aviation's leadership team to remain in their roles post-closing. In addition, Bristow intends to maintain a strong presence at Berry Aviation's existing facilities across its operational footprint. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3. Bristow intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand.
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Analyst Views on VTOL
Wall Street analysts forecast VTOL stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 40.660
Low
45.00
Averages
48.50
High
52.00
Current: 40.660
Low
45.00
Averages
48.50
High
52.00
About VTOL
Bristow Group Inc. is a provider of vertical flight solutions. The Company primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Its aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue (SAR), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad-hoc helicopter services. Its business consists of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Its energy customers charter its helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Its government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby the Company operates specialized helicopters and provides highly trained personnel. Its other services include fixed-wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Bristow Group Stock Investment Risk Analysis
- Long-Term Revenue Growth Disappointment: Bristow Group's sales have only grown at a 6.1% compounded annual growth rate over the past five years, which is below the standards for the energy upstream sector, indicating potential weaknesses in business quality that could deter future investments.
- Limited Distribution Channels: With a revenue of $1.53 billion last year, Bristow Group is relatively small within the industry, suggesting that the company has not achieved sufficient diversification, which may expose investors to higher risks.
- Breakeven Free Cash Flow Limits Reinvestment Potential: Over the past five years, Bristow Group has only managed to break even in free cash flow, which restricts its ability to return capital to shareholders and could negatively impact future shareholder value.
- Market Performance vs. Valuation: Although Bristow Group's stock has recently outperformed the market, its current valuation of 5.8× forward EV-to-EBITDA indicates that too much good news is already priced in, prompting investors to exercise caution.
See More
Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation for $105M
- Acquisition Overview: Bristow Group has agreed to acquire Berry Aviation for $105 million in cash, expected to close in Q3 2026, funded by cash on hand, and anticipated to be immediately accretive to earnings and free cash flow.
- Berry Aviation's Business Strength: Operating a fleet of over 20 aircraft, Berry Aviation generated approximately $108 million in revenue in 2025, with around 72% derived from government and defense aviation services, enhancing Bristow's specialized capabilities in this sector.
- Strategic Implications: The acquisition is set to strengthen Bristow's Government Services segment and increase exposure to long-term contracted government revenue streams, with the pro forma revenue mix shifting to 54% Offshore Energy Services, 35% Government Services, and 11% Other Services by 2025.
- Leadership Continuity: Berry Aviation's leadership team is expected to remain in place post-transaction, ensuring business continuity and retention of expertise, while Bristow also confirmed its pursuit of selling its Norway Offshore Energy Services business as part of its portfolio optimization strategy.
See More
Bristow Acquires Berry Aviation to Enhance Government Services Capabilities
- Acquisition of Berry Aviation: Bristow Group is acquiring Berry Aviation for $105 million, which is expected to enhance the quality of earnings by increasing exposure to contracted government services, thereby strengthening the company's long-term investment profile.
- Revenue Diversification: With 72% of Berry Aviation's revenues derived from government and defense aviation services, this acquisition will further diversify Bristow's revenue streams, enhancing its ability to withstand market fluctuations.
- Exit from Norway Business: Bristow is pursuing the sale of its Norway offshore energy services business as part of its portfolio optimization strategy, focusing on markets with attractive margin profiles for better capital returns.
- Leadership Team Stability: Bristow expects Berry Aviation's leadership team to remain post-acquisition, which will help maintain operational stability and continuity of customer relationships.
See More
Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation to Enhance Government Services
- Acquisition Overview: Bristow Group has announced a $105 million cash acquisition of Berry Aviation, which is expected to enhance its government services capabilities and improve the quality of earnings and cash flow.
- Integration Benefits: With a fleet of over 20 aircraft, Berry Aviation generates 72% of its revenue from special missions, intelligence, and unmanned aerial systems, which will provide Bristow with a more stable revenue stream and diversified service offerings.
- Revenue Structure Shift: Post-acquisition, Bristow's revenue mix is projected to shift significantly towards government services, with an expected 35% contribution in 2025, up from the current 26%, thereby enhancing the company's competitive positioning in the market.
- Strategic Growth Outlook: This acquisition aligns with the rising global defense spending trend and positions Bristow to better capture emerging unmanned and next-generation aviation opportunities, further solidifying its operational capabilities in complex environments.
See More
South Dakota Investment Council Reduces Bristow Group Holdings
- Share Reduction Details: The South Dakota Investment Council disclosed a sale of 801,900 shares of Bristow Group on May 18, 2026, with an estimated trade value of $35.24 million, indicating a potential decrease in confidence in the company.
- Asset Value Impact: This sale resulted in a $9.18 million decrease in the value of Bristow Group within the council's quarter-end position, highlighting the stock's volatility and market dynamics.
- Company Performance Overview: Bristow Group's latest earnings report revealed a revenue increase from $377.3 million to $388.7 million in the first quarter, alongside an operating income rise to $34.7 million, showcasing the company's growth potential in the aviation services sector.
- Future Outlook: The company anticipates an adjusted EBITDA for 2026 between $295 million and $325 million, with $342.1 million in unrestricted cash, providing flexibility for future investments and capital returns to shareholders.
See More
South Dakota Investment Council Reduces Bristow Holdings
- Share Reduction Details: The South Dakota Investment Council sold 801,900 shares of Bristow Group in Q1 2026, with an estimated trade value of $35.24 million, reflecting the fund's strategic response to market volatility.
- Position Value Decline: Following the sale, the fund's quarter-end position value decreased by $9.18 million, indicating the dual impact of trading activities and price movements, which highlights challenges in the market environment.
- Company Financial Performance: Bristow Group reported first-quarter revenue of $388.7 million, up from $377.3 million in the previous quarter, with operating income improving to $34.7 million, demonstrating the company's resilience amid growth.
- Future Outlook: Bristow reaffirmed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $295 million to $325 million, and as of the end of March, it held $342.1 million in unrestricted cash, indicating the company's flexibility for investments and capital returns.
See More
Bristow Group Stock Investment Risk Analysis
- Long-Term Revenue Growth Disappointment: Bristow Group's sales have only grown at a 6.1% compounded annual growth rate over the past five years, which is below the standards for the energy upstream sector, indicating potential weaknesses in business quality that could deter future investments.
- Limited Distribution Channels: With a revenue of $1.53 billion last year, Bristow Group is relatively small within the industry, suggesting that the company has not achieved sufficient diversification, which may expose investors to higher risks.
- Breakeven Free Cash Flow Limits Reinvestment Potential: Over the past five years, Bristow Group has only managed to break even in free cash flow, which restricts its ability to return capital to shareholders and could negatively impact future shareholder value.
- Market Performance vs. Valuation: Although Bristow Group's stock has recently outperformed the market, its current valuation of 5.8× forward EV-to-EBITDA indicates that too much good news is already priced in, prompting investors to exercise caution.
See More
Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation for $105M
- Acquisition Overview: Bristow Group has agreed to acquire Berry Aviation for $105 million in cash, expected to close in Q3 2026, funded by cash on hand, and anticipated to be immediately accretive to earnings and free cash flow.
- Berry Aviation's Business Strength: Operating a fleet of over 20 aircraft, Berry Aviation generated approximately $108 million in revenue in 2025, with around 72% derived from government and defense aviation services, enhancing Bristow's specialized capabilities in this sector.
- Strategic Implications: The acquisition is set to strengthen Bristow's Government Services segment and increase exposure to long-term contracted government revenue streams, with the pro forma revenue mix shifting to 54% Offshore Energy Services, 35% Government Services, and 11% Other Services by 2025.
- Leadership Continuity: Berry Aviation's leadership team is expected to remain in place post-transaction, ensuring business continuity and retention of expertise, while Bristow also confirmed its pursuit of selling its Norway Offshore Energy Services business as part of its portfolio optimization strategy.
See More
Bristow Acquires Berry Aviation to Enhance Government Services Capabilities
- Acquisition of Berry Aviation: Bristow Group is acquiring Berry Aviation for $105 million, which is expected to enhance the quality of earnings by increasing exposure to contracted government services, thereby strengthening the company's long-term investment profile.
- Revenue Diversification: With 72% of Berry Aviation's revenues derived from government and defense aviation services, this acquisition will further diversify Bristow's revenue streams, enhancing its ability to withstand market fluctuations.
- Exit from Norway Business: Bristow is pursuing the sale of its Norway offshore energy services business as part of its portfolio optimization strategy, focusing on markets with attractive margin profiles for better capital returns.
- Leadership Team Stability: Bristow expects Berry Aviation's leadership team to remain post-acquisition, which will help maintain operational stability and continuity of customer relationships.
See More
Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation to Enhance Government Services
- Acquisition Overview: Bristow Group has announced a $105 million cash acquisition of Berry Aviation, which is expected to enhance its government services capabilities and improve the quality of earnings and cash flow.
- Integration Benefits: With a fleet of over 20 aircraft, Berry Aviation generates 72% of its revenue from special missions, intelligence, and unmanned aerial systems, which will provide Bristow with a more stable revenue stream and diversified service offerings.
- Revenue Structure Shift: Post-acquisition, Bristow's revenue mix is projected to shift significantly towards government services, with an expected 35% contribution in 2025, up from the current 26%, thereby enhancing the company's competitive positioning in the market.
- Strategic Growth Outlook: This acquisition aligns with the rising global defense spending trend and positions Bristow to better capture emerging unmanned and next-generation aviation opportunities, further solidifying its operational capabilities in complex environments.
See More
South Dakota Investment Council Reduces Bristow Group Holdings
- Share Reduction Details: The South Dakota Investment Council disclosed a sale of 801,900 shares of Bristow Group on May 18, 2026, with an estimated trade value of $35.24 million, indicating a potential decrease in confidence in the company.
- Asset Value Impact: This sale resulted in a $9.18 million decrease in the value of Bristow Group within the council's quarter-end position, highlighting the stock's volatility and market dynamics.
- Company Performance Overview: Bristow Group's latest earnings report revealed a revenue increase from $377.3 million to $388.7 million in the first quarter, alongside an operating income rise to $34.7 million, showcasing the company's growth potential in the aviation services sector.
- Future Outlook: The company anticipates an adjusted EBITDA for 2026 between $295 million and $325 million, with $342.1 million in unrestricted cash, providing flexibility for future investments and capital returns to shareholders.
See More
South Dakota Investment Council Reduces Bristow Holdings
- Share Reduction Details: The South Dakota Investment Council sold 801,900 shares of Bristow Group in Q1 2026, with an estimated trade value of $35.24 million, reflecting the fund's strategic response to market volatility.
- Position Value Decline: Following the sale, the fund's quarter-end position value decreased by $9.18 million, indicating the dual impact of trading activities and price movements, which highlights challenges in the market environment.
- Company Financial Performance: Bristow Group reported first-quarter revenue of $388.7 million, up from $377.3 million in the previous quarter, with operating income improving to $34.7 million, demonstrating the company's resilience amid growth.
- Future Outlook: Bristow reaffirmed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $295 million to $325 million, and as of the end of March, it held $342.1 million in unrestricted cash, indicating the company's flexibility for investments and capital returns.
See More
