Back- The acquisition comprises a fleet of 26 vessels, crews, the Netherlands-based organisation and all existing contracts.
- Jifmar has established itself as the undisputed leader in the workboat sector, managing a fleet of over 70 vessels and combining French and Dutch expertise.
- Acta Marine’s workboat activities will continue to operate from Den Helder in the Netherlands under the Jifmar brand.
Paris / Aix-en-Provence, 11 December 2023 – Jifmar Offshore Services S.A.S – a Marguerite portfolio company since February 2022 – has completed the acquisition of Acta Marine Workboats, a leading operator of workboat vessels. With the purchase, Jifmar has taken ownership of a 26-strong fleet alongside the crews and operations (200 employees) and has established a strategic position in the Netherlands that will complement its global position. Combined, the company now manages a fleet of over 70 vessels and has become the undisputed leader in the workboat sector.
The workboat division of Acta Marine – from now on under the Jifmar brand – will continue to operate from the Dutch city of Den Helder; Govert Jan van Oord, Managing Director of Acta Marine Workboats, will stay in his role and lead the Dutch activities of Jifmar.
Jean Michel Berud, CEO of Jifmar, said: “Together with Acta Marine Workboats, Jifmar becomes the world’s largest independent operator of workboats, operating a fleet of over 70 vessels. We have now secured a strong base in the Netherlands, a centre for international workboat activities.”
Marguerite, via its fund Marguerite II, and Jifmar’s CEO subscribe to the capital increase on a pro rata basis to finance part of the transaction. The acquisition financing is comprised of a senior debt package arranged by Société Générale on behalf of a French pool of banks, including Banque Delubac, BNP Paribas,several regional Caisse d’Epargne and Credit Lyonnais, as well as a facility from BPI France and asset-backed financing by Santander Alternative Investments.
“This major acquisition represents yet another important milestone for Jifmar this year, following the launch of the Canopée, the first sail-powered hybrid cargo vessel. We are excited to be part of Jifmar’s journey and support it on its path to becoming the market reference in decarbonising the maritime sector and bringing it to the next level,” said Michael Dedieu, Managing Partner at Marguerite.
Jifmar was advised on the acquisition by Allen & Overy (legal, M&A), Stephenson Harwood (legal, financing), Arcadis (technical and commercial), PwC (financial and tax), Siaci (insurance) and Howden (W&I).