16 May 2012 - Aker Solutions is acquiring the mechanical workshop company Lyngdal Mek. Verksted (LMV), thereby increasing its capacity to assemble, test and overhaul drilling equipment especially for the North Sea market.
This is the second recent acquisition by Aker Solutions' drilling technologies business in its home region, following the takeover of Herman Hansen Mek. Verksted, another assembly and test workshop, in March 2012. The transaction values for the deals are undisclosed.
"The takeover of Lyngdal Mek. Verksted is the latest example of our strategic moves to boost our capacity to serve drilling customers in the North Sea market. The acquisition of LMV will help us take a larger share of the upcoming overhaul market, facilitated by our growing installed base," said Thor Arne Håverstad, head of Aker Solutions' drilling technologies business.
The market outlook for drilling systems and equipment related activities is positive, both with regards to overhaul of installed equipment and new-build orders. Additionally, rigs with Aker Solutions' equipment on delivered during the 2007-2008 boom are soon up for their first five year re-classification.
Increased capacity
The takeover of LMV is mainly expanding the Aker Solutions' overhaul and upgrade capacity, as the company's facilities in Kristiansand are expected to be fully utilised by new-build activities. The acquisition will also increase Aker Solutions' flexibility and ability to further expand its production competence and facilities in Brazil and Asia Pacific.
"We are pleased to become an integrated part of Aker Solutions," says Ingvald Ingebretsen, managing director and previous owner of LMV. "Our employees will no doubt remain a significant asset to Aker Solutions' current staff of skilled workers, thanks to their extensive experience in overhauling Aker Solutions drilling equipment. Our workforce is stable, and could potentially grow even further."
The acquisition of Herman Hansen secures Aker Solutions' drilling technologies capacity and delivery capability as well as local assembly and testing competence for critical mechanical equipment.
About Lyngdal Mek Verksted
Lyngdal Mek. Verksted (LMV) is a mechanical workshop company located in Lyngdal in southern Norway. LMV currently employs 61 skilled workers plus contracted staff in disciplines such as hydraulics, mechanical engineering, welding, sheet metal, and more.
The facilities of LMV are well suited for large overhaul jobs with about 6 500 m2 of workshop area. Over the past five years the company has been a key sub-supplier to Aker Solutions' drilling technologies business. LMV's current scope of work for Aker Solutions includes assembly and testing, as well as overhaul and upgrade work on drilling equipment and special orders for rigs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Completion of the agreement is subject to clearance by Norwegian competition authorities
About Herman Hansen
Herman Hansen Mek. Verksted was first established as a mechanical repair shop in 1897. Over the last decades the company has developed into an assembly and testing workshop, primarily for drilling equipment. The facilities have been significantly expanded and improved to accommodate for the company's main business; hydraulic work.
Current facilities and land area owned by Herman Hansen will be leased by Aker Solutions. The total land area consists of 12 500 m2 with, including office locations of ~400m2 and a workshop area of ~2400m2. Herman Hansen has received approval for further expansions.
The agreement has been approved by the Norwegian competition authorities.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Media:
Ivar Simensen, VP communication, Aker Solutions. Tel: +1 (713) 272 4109, Mob: +47 46 40 23 17, E-mail: ivar.simensen@akersolutions.com
Investor relations:
Astrid Thommesen Sæbø, VP Investor Relations, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 22 94 63 37, Mob: +47 481 70 035, E-mail: astrid.thommesen.saebo@akersolutions.com
Suppliers:
For further information about sourcing and potential subcontracts for this project, please visit www.akersolutions.com/suppliers
Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akersolutions.com/careers
Aker Solutions provides oilfield products, systems and services for customers in the oil and gas industry world-wide. The company's knowledge and technologies span from reservoir to production and through the life of a field.
Aker Solutions brings together engineering and technologies for oil and gas drilling, field development and production. The company employs approximately 23 500 people in more than 30 countries. They apply the knowledge and create and use technologies that deliver their customers' solutions.
Aker Solutions ASA is the parent company in the group, which consists of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand and trademark for most of these entities. In 2011 Aker Solutions had aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 36.5 billion. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com.