Baker McKenzie advised Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. ("Pilatus") on its acquisition of the American sales and services center Skytech Inc. ("Skytech"). As part of an upcoming succession plan, Pilatus has decided to take over Skytech; the entire workforce of around 120 will continue to be employed by the Swiss aircraft manufacturer. This transaction will allow Pilatus to expand its direct involvement in the US market.
Skytech has operated as a Pilatus independent authorized sales and service centre since 1993. With a successor due to replace co-founder and owner John Foster, Pilatus has decided to acquire its partner of many years. The business will continue to operate as an independent company with responsibility for servicing and sales of PC-24s and PC-12s on the East Coast, and aircraft types from other manufacturers. Both business locations in Rock Hill (Southern Carolina) and Baltimore (Maryland) are included in the purchase.
Founded in 1939, Pilatus is the only Swiss company to develop, produce and sell aircraft to customers around the world. Domiciled in Stans, the company is one of the largest employers in central Switzerland with more than 2,300 employees at its headquarters.
Baker McKenzie advised Pilatus on the transaction documents.
The Baker McKenzie Switzerland team was led by Alexander Fischer (partner, M&A, Zurich) and Olha Demianiuk (partner, M&A, Geneva) and further included Thomas Hughes (partner, M&A, Chicago) and Kai Kramer (partner, tax, Houston).