Colter Bay's first deal: a A$115M loan to helicopter operator Vertical Aviation

What's the deal? Colter Bay CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has made its debut investment, providing a A$115 million (≈$82.4 million) senior secured loan to Perth-headquartered Vertical AviationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The debt deal was announced in August 2026.

Why now? Colter Bay refinanced bank debt owed by Vertical Aviation through a syndicate of private credit lenders, while also positioning the company for future M&A and growth-related opportunities.

Who’s behind it? Colter Bay Capital was founded by former Commonwealth BankDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → executive Mark Wang and former NSW premier Nick Greiner.

What does the company do? Vertical Aviation owns and operates a fleet of helicopters and smaller fixed-wing aircraft.

The signal: A private credit firm launching with a senior secured loan to refinance bank debt reflects the growing role of non-bank lenders in Australian corporate finance.

Read more: Australian Financial Review

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