Freeths supports LDC on its investment in Eagle Eye Innovations

Freeths has advised LDC, the private equity investor, on its investment in Eagle Eye Innovations (EEI).

Headquartered in Lincoln and founded in 2013, EEI provides a variety of services to organisations requiring skilled, regulatory-compliant drone operators across multiple sectors including the built environment, utilities, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, media, security and defence. It also offers a comprehensive service to assist clients with UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) applications, ensuring compliant drone operations in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. EEI’s team of academy instructors and operators have more than 120 years’ combined experience of delivering Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved training courses and specialist drone operations. 

With applications ranging from infrastructure inspection and utilities surveying to precision agriculture and aerial mapping, commercial drone technology is transforming how organisations operate. EEI has scaled rapidly, meeting market demand for regulatory compliant drone operators, securing multi-year contracts with major clients and now employs more than 60 people.

The investment was led by LDC’s East Midlands and East of England team, including Investment Director Kevin O’Loughlin, Partner and Head of East Midlands and East of England, David Bains, and Origination Executive Hannah Hutchinson.

The Freeths team was led by Corporate Partners Ania Gabrielczyk and Mohammed Abbas. They were supported by a multidisciplinary team across the firm including Corporate Senior Associate Grace Hill, Corporate Associates Christie Nelson and Kate Rogers, Banking & Finance Partner Amy McVey, Banking & Finance Associate Rebecca Banner, Employment Partner Toby Pochron, Partner and Head of Tax Adrian Hackett and Tax Associate Zain Hanif.

Commenting on the deal, Ania Gabrielczyk said: “It was super-exciting for our team to be at the frontline of delivering this project in such a hot and “of-the-moment” sector. What has been clear throughout this process is that Sion, Dom and Alex have built an incredible business and we can’t wait to see it realise its growth potential in partnership with LDC in the next chapter of its journey.”