Dockwise supports combination with Boskalis and recommends the Boskalis Offer to shareholders.
Extracts from the Dockwise statement follow:
The Board of Directors of Dockwise has unanimously resolved to support the combination of Dockwise and Boskalis and to recommend the mandatory cash offer by Boskalis of EUR 18.50 / NOK 137.65 per share cum dividend for all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Dockwise. Boskalis welcomes the position of Dockwise.
As indicated by Dockwise from the outset of the offer process, Dockwise recognises the strategic merits of the Combination. The Combination fits within the strategy of Dockwise to expand in the offshore transport and installation as well as the logistical management market, and is aligned with the focus of Boskalis on the strengthening and expansion of its position in the offshore energy market. The Combination will have a stronger and broader position within the value chain for both the transport and installation and logistical management segments of the business.
Supported by Boskalis's strong balance sheet and global reach, Dockwise will be able to reach its strategic objectives in transport and installation and logistical management faster compared to a continued stand-alone scenario. The Board initially indicated that the intended offer price of EUR 17.20 undervalued Dockwise and did not reflect its potential, and has welcomed the subsequent price increases to the final Offer price of EUR 18.50 / NOK 137.65 which is accepted by 92.39% of the Dockwise shareholders.
André Goedée, CEO of Dockwise on the Offer and the Combination:
"From the outset, the Dockwise board has identified strategic merit in a combination with Boskalis, building on Dockwise's strategy. The understanding confirmed between the CEO's ensures the best and most efficient plan for the combination, we are pleased to recommend the offer. The Dockwise team looks forward to becoming part of the Boskalis group and with minimal operational overlap between our companies, we foresee a swift integration. I am confident that the combined expertise, uniquely available within Dockwise and Boskalis, will be successful in offering a broad integrated range of premium services to our current and future clients."