Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”),, one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Bighorn Airways, Inc. (“Bighorn”), a specialty aviation company based in Sheridan, WY. Bridger will acquire Bighorn’s fleet of 12 aircraft used for wildfire smoke jumping as well as special mission transport and delivery for government customers. The transaction, valued at $39 million, is expected to close by the end of September 2023 and is subject to normal and customary closing conditions. The acquisition will be financed through a combination of cash and stock, with the majority of consideration paid to the sellers in the form of stock.
“The addition of Bighorn’s assets to the Bridger Aerospace family expands our aerial firefighting services to new mission critical areas,” commented Tim Sheehy, Bridger Aerospace’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bighorn provides year-round logistics for the Department of Defense (DoD) which broadens Bridger’s annual recurring revenue profile. From providing aircraft and flight crews in support of the U.S. government’s smoke jumper program, to flying missions in the North Pole region of Alaska, Bighorn adds unique skills, equipment and personnel to what is now the largest specialty wildfire aviation fleet in the country. We are honored to welcome Bighorn to the Bridger family.”
Bighorn’s fleet of 12 aircraft includes three Bombardier Dash 8 featuring a 7500 lbs. payload capacity, a range of 1200 miles and the capability of low-level flights for para cargo operations. Bighorn also operates four Casa 212-200 and five Dornier 228-100 twin turboprop aircraft capable of short takeoff and landing. Bighorn is one of only a few air carriers that are approved by the DoD Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB), holds a DoD Facility Security Clearance and is a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) certified air carrier. Bighorn also owns and operates the Sheridan, WY Fixed Base Operation (FBO).
Financial Highlights
For the year ending 2023, Bighorn is expected to generate pro forma revenue of $22 million, and adjusted pro forma EBITDA of $5 million. While the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings after excluding transaction expenses and before anticipated synergies, the Company is not updating its guidance at this time. Bridger will provide further information on the outlook for the Company and the addition of Bighorn during its next quarterly earnings call.
About Bridger Aerospace
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Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger Aerospace is committed to utilizing its team, aircraft and technology to save lives, property and habitats threatened by wildfires. Bridger Aerospace provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation.
About Bighorn Airways
Bighorn Airways, Inc. is headquartered in Sheridan, Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. Bighorn provides a variety of aviation services, including on-demand specialty aircraft charter and government contracting, and full Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services.