Bristow Group has agreed to acquire Berry Aviation from Acorn Capital Management in a $105 million all-cash deal as the helicopter operator looks to expand its government aviation services business.
The transaction was announced on June 23, 2026, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Bristow said it plans to fund the acquisition with cash on hand.
Berry Aviation is based in San Marcos, Texas, and provides aviation services for government and defense customers, along with on-demand cargo logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, component repair and overhaul, and fixed-base operator services.
Bristow said Berry operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft and primarily serves government and defense customers across multiple countries.
The acquisition will add special mission capabilities to Bristow’s government services business, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, training and mission support, MRO services, and uncrewed aircraft systems design and development.
According to Bristow, those government services activities account for about 72% of Berry Aviation’s revenue. Berry’s customers include the US Army, US Air Force, US Special Operations Command and US Transportation Command.
“The acquisition of Berry Aviation, an established special mission aviation services provider, further aligns Bristow’s portfolio with key megatrends: increasing geopolitical risk, rising defense spending and the continued outsourcing of mission-critical aviation services,” said Chris Bradshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bristow.
Bradshaw said Berry’s capabilities and customer relationships are “complementary” to Bristow’s existing government services operations and would better position the company to compete for long-duration government programs.
Bristow is best known as a global helicopter services provider, with operations supporting offshore energy customers, search and rescue programs, medevac, fixed-wing transportation and government aviation services.
The company said Berry will bring certifications and capabilities including Commercial Airlift Review Board certification, Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems certification, Part 135 airdrop authorization, the ability to operate in GPS-denied airspace and a specialized workforce with government customer relationships.
Berry Aviation’s fleet includes the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 and DHC-6 Twin Otter, the Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilia, the SA-227 Metro III, the UH-72A Lakota in government-owned, contractor-operated service, and the Mil Mi-8T, according to Berry’s fleet page.
Berry Aviation was formed in Austin, Texas, in 1983. The company became a US Department of Defense-approved air carrier with worldwide operating authority in 1987 and later moved its headquarters to San Marcos Regional Airport.
Bristow said it expects Berry Aviation’s leadership team to remain in place after the deal closes and said it plans to maintain a strong presence at Berry’s existing facilities.
The company also said the acquisition will support its shift toward more contracted government services revenue.