Ridgewood Infrastructure Acquires Top Aerial Firefighting Company

The Facts -

Ridgewood Infrastructure Expands Emergency Management Portfolio with Dauntless Air Acquisition

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its footprint in emergency management, Ridgewood Infrastructure LLC has acquired Dauntless Air, a prominent aerial firefighting entity recognized for its cutting-edge emergency management infrastructure. The acquisition was officially announced on June 10, 2026, spotlighting Ridgewood's commitment to addressing the growing demand for wildfire response capabilities across the United States.

Dauntless Air operates the largest, most technologically advanced fleet of Fire Boss aircraft in the nation. These aircraft, known for their water-scooping capabilities, are engineered to tackle and manage wildfires efficiently. Deployed under long-term contracts with government agencies, Dauntless' fleet is an integral part of wildfire suppression efforts, safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources.

Ryan Stewart, a partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting that "Dauntless is a highly differentiated emergency management infrastructure platform operating at the center of an increasingly important public safety mission." Stewart emphasized the company's robust operational capabilities and longstanding relationships as key factors in its market leadership.

The acquisition underscores the increasing importance of wildfire response as an infrastructure priority, driven by longer and more severe fire seasons in parts of the U.S. Dauntless' flexible, availability-based operating model ensures that dedicated firefighting resources can be strategically deployed when and where they're needed most, adapting to the dynamic nature of wildfire threats.

Brett L’Esperance, CEO of Dauntless, praised the team’s reputation for operational excellence in challenging conditions. He remarked on the partnership with Ridgewood, stating the shared commitment to enhancing capabilities and delivering superior service.

With decades of successful collaboration with federal and state agencies, Dauntless Air stands out in the market, bolstered by significant barriers to entry such as specialized aircraft and rigorous regulatory standards. Ross Posner, Managing Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure, noted, "Dauntless embodies many of the characteristics we seek in an infrastructure investment: essential services, mission-critical operations, strong barriers to entry, and avenues for operational growth."

The leadership of Dauntless will remain under Brett L’Esperance and his team, as Ridgewood plans to invest in expanding the company’s operational capabilities and exploring new growth opportunities. Although specific terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the strategic acquisition aligns with Ridgewood's broader goals in the infrastructure sector.

About Ridgewood Infrastructure

Ridgewood Infrastructure is a premier infrastructure investor, focusing on essential services in the U.S. lower middle market. The firm collaborates with management teams to develop and enhance infrastructure platforms that deliver critical services to communities and customers.

About Dauntless Air

Dedicated to combating wildfires, Dauntless Air owns the largest fleet of Fire Boss aircraft in North America, enhancing rapid response and firefighting operations. The company's innovative approaches enable efficient and cost-effective firefighting solutions. More information can be found on Dauntless Air's website and its Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Contact Information:

Ridgewood Infrastructure
527 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 867-0050

Email: Inquiries@RidgewoodInfrastructure.com

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