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AKVA Group — M&A Activity 2021
Aug 25, 2021
3532_iss_2021-08-25_e65a91e9-5a52-45bf-b38a-f7722b1d5eeb.html
M&A Activity
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AKVA group ASA: AKVA Marine Services AS merges with Abyss Group AS
AKVA group ASA: AKVA Marine Services AS merges with Abyss Group AS
AKVA group ASA ("AKVA") has today entered into an agreement to combine Akva
Marine Services AS ("AMS") with Abyss Group AS ("Abyss") as a contribution in
kind, with AKVA becoming a shareholder in the combined company. As part of the
transaction, funds advised by Icon Capital AS ("Icon") will be invested in the
combined company to allow further growth. The initial investment by Icon will be
NOK 100 million with further growth capital being available to the board of
Abyss subject to certain conditions. Following the combination, AKVA will own
25.5% in the combined company. Knut Nesse will represent AKVA on the board of
the combined company following the transaction. The transaction is expected to
close before end of September. Prior to closing, ownership of Ocein AS,
subsidiary of Abyss, will be transferred to Abyss' existing owners and Ocein
will therefore not be part of the combined company going forward. AKVA will
still own 100% of Sperre AS, a leading supplier of net cleaning systems (ROVs
and FNCs) to the aquaculture industry.
- We are very pleased to combine AMS with Abyss to create a leading Norwegian
service company. The combination of AMS and Abyss will allow for better
geographic coverage, increased fleet flexibility and excellent career
opportunities for the employees in both companies, says CEO in AKVA, Knut Nesse,
and continues:
- Through the investment from Icon, the company will have a very healthy balance
sheet and excellent basis for further growth. We look forward to work with
Abyss' existing owners and Icon to create value for all stakeholders going
forward. I am confident that the combined company will be better positioned to
further develop and meet customer expectations today and in the future.
Danske Bank acted as financial advisor for AKVA group.
About Abyss
Abyss provides work boat and subsea services to fish farms and other maritime
industries. The company operates a modern and well-equipped fleet of 16 vessels
with operations across Norway and in Iceland. The company had a turnover
(excluding Ocein AS) of NOK 193.9 million in 2020. Following the combination
with AMS, Abyss will operate 30 vessels with additional 3 vessels under
construction. The pro-forma combined revenue of the companies in 2020 was NOK
302.3 million.
CONTACTS:
Knut Nesse Chief Executive Officer
Phone: +47 51 77 85 00
Mobile: +47 91 37 62 20
E-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Ronny Meinkøhn Chief Financial Officer
Phone: +47 51 77 85 00
Mobile: +47 98 20 67 76
E-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
About AKVA
AKVA group is a global technology and service partner that deliver technology
and services that helps solve biological challenges within the aquaculture
industry. Good operational performance and fish welfare ensures sustainability
and profitability for the customer. This is the premise for everything we
deliver, from single components to services and complete installations. In-depth
aquaculture knowledge, extensive experience and a high capacity for innovation
characterizes and enables us to deliver the best solutions for both land based
and sea based fish farming.
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section
5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act