In 1987, Newfoundland businessman Craig Dobbin headed a group of investors organized under the name "Canadian Holding Company", commonly using the initialism "CHC". CHC purchased Okanagan Helicopters, along with Viking Helicopters, and Toronto Helicopters; all three merged their assets with Dobbin's own company, Sealand Helicopters, to form a new company, initially branded "Canadian Helicopters", while the parent company was renamed "CHC Helicopter Corporation". The new entity placed a great priority upon merger and acquisition opportunities, in addition to forming strategic partnerships, that would allow it to enter new or lightly-served regions, such as South America.