Air Methods sets sights on Omni
By Carey Fredericks
June 3, 2011, Denver, Co. - Air Methods Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire OF Air Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Omniflight Helicopters, Inc. (together, Omniflight).
Carey Fredericks
Omniflight provides air medical transport services throughout the United States and provides these services under both the community-based and hospital-based service delivery models, utilizing a
fleet of approximately 100 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Omniflight is headquartered in Addison, Texas, with operations in 18 states involving over 75 base locations.
Air Methods will acquire Omniflight for an aggregate purchase price of $200 million in cash on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to working capital and other adjustments as provided in the Agreement. Upon closing, Omniflight will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air Methods. The Agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The transaction is contingent upon clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Anti-Trust Improvements Act and certain other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in July 2011.
Omniflight generated unaudited consolidated revenue of $172 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. The Company expects to fund the purchase price through a new commercial bank credit facility.
Aaron Todd, CEO for Air Methods, stated, "We are excited and pleased to have this opportunity to unite these two industry leaders. The operational efficiencies that this combination should create will allow both entities to maintain and enhance the quality of our services, while providing for a more competitive cost structure resulting from greater economies of scale. The geographical service areas of both entities are very complementary and improve the combined entity's ability to maintain important resources closer to our customers and their communities."
Tom Leverton, CEO of Omniflight, stated, "Air Methods and Omniflight have long histories in the industry and, together, the two companies will bring even stronger service to local communities across the country. We are confident this will bring benefits to the customers and employees of Omniflight and are thrilled at the opportunity to join Air Methods."
In connection with the transaction, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as financial advisor and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP served as legal advisor to Air Methods.
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