Bristow Group Acquires Berry Aviation for $105 Million

Bristow Group Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas-based Berry Aviation for $105 million in an all-cash transaction. The deal, announced on June 23, 2026, accelerates Bristow’s strategic shift toward long-term government contracts and away from its historical reliance on the offshore energy sector.

In a press release issued by Bristow Group, the Houston-headquartered vertical flight provider confirmed the acquisitions from Acorn Capital Management is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. The transaction adds a fleet of more than 20 aircraft and specialized military authorizations to Bristow’s portfolio, supporting a broader corporate restructuring strategy.

Expanding government services capabilities

Berry Aviation, headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, generated $108 million in total revenue in 2025, with 72 percent derived from government services. The company holds highly specialized military and defense authorizations, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Airdrop authorization, Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) certification, and the operational capability to fly in GPS-denied airspace.

Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Bradshaw stated the acquisition aligns with key megatrends, including increasing geopolitical risk and rising defense spending.

“Berry Aviation’s deep expertise, proven technical capabilities across a range of mission-critical operations and strong customer relationships are complementary to our existing Government Services operations, better positioning Bristow to compete for long-duration government programs,” Bradshaw said.

Following the close of the transaction, Bristow expects Berry Aviation’s leadership team to remain in their current roles. The company also intends to maintain a strong presence at Berry Aviation’s existing facilities. Acorn Growth Cos. previously acquired Berry Aviation in July 2018.

Strategic portfolio optimization

The Berry Aviation acquisition coincides with Bristow’s ongoing efforts to sell its Norway Offshore Energy Services business. Together, these moves represent a deliberate restructuring of the company’s revenue streams to reduce exposure to the cyclical oil and gas market.

Following the completion of both the acquisition and the planned exit from Norway, Bristow projects its pro forma revenue mix from government services will increase from 26 percent to 35 percent. Conversely, its exposure to offshore energy services is projected to decrease from 66 percent to 54 percent.

AirPro News analysis

We view Bristow’s $105 million acquisition of Berry Aviation as a calculated hedge against the volatility of the offshore energy market. By acquiring an established operator with CARB certification and specialized United States Department of Defense (DoD) clearances, Bristow bypasses the lengthy and complex process of building these capabilities organically. The addition of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) design capabilities positions the company to bid on a wider array of United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) contracts.

Sources: Bristow Group Inc.