Dag Schjerven News

Survitec Group, a provider of critical safety and survival technology to the marine and defence markets, has announced the completion of its merger with Wilhelmsen’s marine safety business. The deal includes the transfer of all Wilhelmsen Maritime Services AS (WMS)’ safety related systems, products, services and competence to Survitec. The combined business will operate under the name Survitec Group. Survitec Group will have access to a £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion)  addressable global market and will have over 3,000 employees in more than 35 countries. The combined group will have a revenue of ~c.£400m and will create value for customers as a result of the cost and revenue synergies and the end-to-end marine safety offering.

Wilhelmsen Maritime Services AS (WMS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA, said it has signed an agreement whereby technology subsidiary Callenberg Technology Group will be acquired by Trident Maritime Systems. "We have in Trident and their principal, J. F. Lehman & Company, found a strong new owner of Callenberg. Having a new owner that operates within the same technology areas creates a perfect environment for employees, customers and future growth of Callenberg with Trident," said Dag Schjerven, president and CEO of WMS. "Through this natural combination, we will significantly expand our technical capabilities and geographic reach," said Tom Eccles, CEO of Trident.

Survitec Group announced a transformational deal with the Marine Safety business of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services AS (WMS), in which WMS will transfer into Survitec all related safety products and services, including Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions, WSS Technical Services and WSS Safety Products. The combined business will operate under the Survitec Group name. “Upon completion of the merger, WMS will hold a 20 percent stake in Survitec, which will cement the long-term relationship between our two organizations and ensure Wilhelmsen’s continued and significant involvement in the future success of the combined group,” said Dag Schjerven, President and CEO of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services, who will take a position on the Survitec Group Board of Directors.

Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS) says it has signed a letter of intent with the Nordic private equity fund FSN Capital to establish a joint venture within engineered solutions, equipment and services to the maritime and offshore markets currently trading under the business area Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions. The new company, to be owned 50% each by Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS) and FSN Capital, comprises the business within HVAC, insulation, electrical and automation including the brands Callenberg, TI Marine Contracting and newly acquired IES Ltd. The new company, to be established on book value, had an annual revenue of USD 203 million in 2013 and will employ some 1 000 people in 15 countries.

“Some have criticised the IMO for acting too slowly and it has been suggested local regulation might be more effective. Whilst we agree that regional initiatives have made an important contribution to the cause, exclusively-local regulation would make it very difficult for international ship owners to operate effectively. Mr Schjerven discussed how the combination of engineering and global network capabilities has made it possible to develop environmental solutions for Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) customers worldwide: “By offering the best available technologies in the market we can help our customers stay compliant and reduce their vessel operating costs. The less energy a ship consumes the less fuel it will burn, resulting in reduced pollution and cost savings.

Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA (WW) reached agreement to acquire 90.4 per cent of the shares in Norway's Unitor group. This acquisition accords with WW's strategy of developing its Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS) subsidiary into a leading global player in the maritime services sector. The deal has been concluded with Unitor's principal shareholders - Umoe Industri AS, the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme Fund and Odin Forvaltning. Their holdings corresponds to 90.4 percent of the outstanding shares in the company, and the agreed price is $11.36 (NOK 73.50) per share. This deal allows WW to secure the rest of the Unitor shares. The total purchase price for all the stock will be just over $2.2 billion (NOK 1.4 billion).

BASS has secured ownership of BASS (Hong Kong) Ltd. from former parent-company, Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS). The BASS management team used additional financing to complete the agreement, which includes the company's controlling interest (34 percent) in Star Information Systems, a maritime software provider based in Norway. In addition, BASS will continue to provide Barber Ship Management, a unit of WMS, with fleet management software, which accounts for 20 per cent of BASS' annual turnover. The two companies have recently agreed on a four year contract for software and services to support Barber Ship Management in the highly competitive ship-management market.