NBGI Private Equity: Acquisition of Cosalt Offshore

NBGI brings Cosalt’s Aberdeen and Norway businesses into its stable alongside ATR Group as it builds global provider of offshore equipment and lifting services

NBGI Private Equity, investor in Aberdeen-based ATR Group, is acquiring the Aberdeen and Norway operations of Cosalt Offshore.

The deal, due to complete later today, will reportedly stabilie the Cosalt business which has been through a difficult period in recent years, safeguard jobs and provide funding to capitalize on international growth opportunities.

ATR chief executive, Keith Moorhouse, will lead the enlarged group. He said, “This deal will be welcomed by Cosalt’s staff, customers and suppliers as an end to a period of uncertainty. Cosalt has an excellent technical and operational reputation and is an integral part of the supply chain of many of the energy sector’s leading oil service companies and operators.  Cosalt and ATR will be pooling their significant resources and technical expertise to deliver a broad, integrated service offering to the oil and gas industry.”

“The deal will bolster ATR’s growth by opening up the Norwegian sector and improving its operational capacity through access to Cosalt’s skilled engineers, technicians and inspectors and its substantial equipment hire fleet.”

Together ATR and Cosalt will employ almost 400 people with a turnover of £55m and will seek to consolidate and grow the two businesses to over £100m turnover organically and by acquisition.

A leading supplier in the rental of specialised tools and equipment for the offshore oil and gas industry maintenance sector, ATR has flourished since the investment by NBGI in early 2012, expanding its client base, rental fleet and global footprint. Its strategic move into subsea equipment rental and services was accelerated by the acquisition of UES last year.

Cosalt Offshore has been part of Grimsby-based Cosalt PLC. The company provides a wide range of offshore and maritime safety equipment, lifting and rigging gear, wire rope, related tools and safety at height products alongside offshore inspection and compliance services. Cosalt has long standing relationships with a portfolio of blue chip clients.
Lawrence Dean, Investment Director of NBGI, added: “ATR and Cosalt will be working together to deliver a leading service to their customers.  The high regard in which Cosalt is held in the offshore lifting sector is testament to its employees who have continued to operate at the highest technical and operational levels.  ATR management has been very supportive of this acquisition and Keith Moorhouse and the ATR and Cosalt teams are committed to building a global business.”

Advisers in the deal included Dundas & Wilson, Johnston Carmichael and PwC.