Baker McKenzie advises Pilatus Aircraft on its acquisition of Skytech

Baker McKenzie has advised Pilatus Aircraft on its acquisition of the American sales and services center Skytech. As part of an upcoming succession plan, Pilatus has decided to take over Skytech and 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.

Founded in 1976, Skytech is a specialist service provider and aircraft vendor with two locations in the US. The company 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. 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.

The Baker McKenzie Switzerland team was led by partners Alexander Fischer (m&a, Zurich, pictured left) and Olha Demianiuk (m&a, Geneva, pictured right) and further included Thomas Hughes (partner, m&a, Chicago) and Kai Kramer (partner, tax, Houston).