A possible London Helicopters Centre take over!

[SECRET SERVICE]

There's a rumour floating around at Redhill aerodrome both internally within the company externally that London Helicopters Centres is on the verge of a possible take over by Patriot Aviation?

Apparantly there's a planned LHC company meeting with all staff very soon.

Does anyone have any facts to back up the above?

SS

[Sky Sports]

Silence...................that'll be a yes then :ok:

[R22 Driver]

definately going ahead im afraid

[SECRET SERVICE]

Well......if it's true then I do hope that both the LHC name and jobs are retained. Lets face it.....it normally means job losses when 2 companies merge (take over).

I hope not on this occasion? :(

SS

[rotarywise]

First Heliflight UK and now LHC - let's hope this isn't another Erinaceous style debacle in the making.

[PEASACAKE]

It would be interesting to know if LHC are for sale.

Is the company in financial trouble?, or is it very profitable, the last time I was there they had a hangar full of aircraft, as always.

Why would Patriot be interested in LHC if it was not a profitable company.

Heliflight was (is) a well respected company, it seems nothing has changed since it changed owners, Patriot have been seen carrying out maintenance there as well now, so things are expanding if anything.

[helimutt]

and I always thought a profitable helicopter company was one where the hangar was empty. The helicopters out earning revenue???

[Whirlygig]

Lets face it.....it normally means job losses when 2 companies merge (take over).Yes but that usually starts with admin, finance and other backroom support staff where economies of scale can be gained.

LHC are not making a profit; maybe the shareholders and directors want to retire and Patriot think that they can make it into a profitable business.

let's hope this isn't another Erinaceous style debacle in the making. Why should it be? Patriot is an aviation company.

Cheers

Whirls

[Curtis E Carr]

and I always thought a profitable helicopter company was one where the hangar was empty.

Not for a maintenance company, it ain't.

[PEASACAKE]

Airsteps UK.

Where would we find this "trail of 'history' that follows one person in particular.

I would be interested in having a look.

How old are the directors of LHC, are they at retirement age?,

[biggles99]

Mark and Theresa have built a fabulous business from nothing over 20 years.

They've worked very, very hard throughout all this time.

And no, I'm not connected with them, I've simply known them this long, and - when I was based in the south-east - I've had a few aircraft maintained by them.

So, if they want to retire now, good for them.

If they don't, good for them.

Big L's

[fluffy5]

I will say it if know one else will, It's a damn shame LHC are wanting to leave the industry, they are a great company. But during the deal I would have a clause that states when Pat riot take over things, that they change LHC name and not keep it, because these people up at cranfield end, especially the big man are completely incompetent in how they handle an avaition company. They had Cranfield for now almost ten years, changed the name to PAt riot, formley good old Burmans and since then operate it finanacialy on a shoe string, which they will do at gloucester and LHC.
Another great business move at buying big operators, yet his lordship still does not allow pilots or surrounding staff to improve and invest money in them.
Thats my opinion, and bad spelling :}

fluffy

[Bla Bla Bla]

A bit off topic but is that bloody miserable owner MS still there.

[Sliding Doors]

Yup,

MS and TS are the current owners.

Maybe Patriot will replace the current idiot of a CP :p

[headcorn harry]

Just heard that the wonderful Mark & T are moving in with us at Headcorn .. This is just great news and a big loss to Redhill. Not sure if the whole company is coming over to us - but do hope so ...

[jonseagull]

Biggles 99, Hear hear.:D

There's a few people posting here that don't know the slightest about LHC and Co.

[headcorn harry]

Come on then Seagull, what say you ?

If Patriot want to take the Bristow building and Mr & Mrs Souster can then move over to us in a more cost effective environment - who can blame them ?

If Seagull has something to say, please say it.

Harry

[helispeediii]

good luck to mark &theresa time to move on they have worked very hard ,ive always15yrs+ found them to be honarable people they have looked after many machines for me , and ive also been in the rotary business so i know just how easy it is helispeed iii ps regards to j t

[headcorn harry]

These fine people are a welcome addition here at Headcorn ! I wonder if all of the staff will re-locate ? Harry

[headcorn harry]

STOP PRESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just been told that it will be possible to purchase Souster Burgers from the cafe at Redhill and Headcorn until further notice !!!!!! Wow. Harry

[jonseagull]

Harry,

merely commenting on the fact that members are being derogatory about people they don't neccessarily know very well.

Always found the guys and gals at LHC to be pleasant and professional.

Jon

[northeasthelichopter]

You all have it wrong. lhc has moved to southend as of today

[tonge]

I'm confused (dosn't take much!) If Patriot are buying LHC at Redhill, then how are LHC now moving to Headcorn/Southend??

Tonge

[RevolverPR]

Sir Peter Rigby’s Aviation Group, which trades as Patriot Aviation and Heliflight, has acquired London Helicopter Centres Ltd, the specialist helicopter charter and engineering company, headquartered in Redhill, Surrey and Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.

Sir Peter said: “I’m very excited about the opportunity to continue to grow and expand our Aviation Group. In particular, extending and developing our charter and aviation services in and around London. We can now offer VIP commuters a cost and time effective transfer into Battersea from Redhill in 10 minutes.”

You can read the full story here (http://www.patriot.uk.com/News%20London%20Helicopter%20Centres%20Acquisition.html).

[ChippyChop]

Great news that Mark S will be the new MD of Patriot!! Good luck to all involved.