Having already signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2009, Abu Dhabi MAR, the international shipbuilding group based in Abu Dhabi, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems have now signed the contract for the sale of Blohm + Voss to Abu Dhabi MAR. The transaction is subject to clearance required under merger control laws. For the naval activities, the transaction is also subject to the approval of the German government under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Act (AuĂenwirtschaftsgesetz). The deal is expected to conclude at the end of June 2010.
The contract includes the acquisition of Blohm + Voss Shipyards in Hamburg and the civil shipbuilding facilities of the former HDW Gaarden including employees in Kiel. Abu Dhabi MAR will also acquire an 80% stake in each of Blohm + Voss Repair and Blohm + Voss Industries, both of Hamburg.
The parties also agreed on the formation of a 50:50 strategic partnership for the design and program management of naval vessels.
His Excellency Ahmad Darwish Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi MAR, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for Abu Dhabi MAR in the implementation of our strategy to position ourselves as a world leading shipbuilding company. The aim of this transaction is to generate long-term growth, strengthen the international market position of the company, expand our product range and gain access to new customers.”
Abu Dhabi MAR a holding company jointly owned by the Al Ain International Group (70%) and Privinvest (30%) was advised by International Investment House, the investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, as well as Corporate Finance Advisor Hans Lotter, the international law firm Allen & Overy LLP and Deloitte & Touche GmbH, the accounting firm.
Abu Dhabi MAR, a holding company based in Abu Dhabi, is quickly establishing itself as an international shipbuilding group having already swallowed up the French superyacht builder CMN. The company now has capacities for the construction of ships up to 200 metres.
