Subsea 7 agrees to combine its Renewables business unit with OHT

Subsea 7 announced an agreement to combine its Renewables business with OHT ASA, subject to the customary approvals, conditions and relevant employee consultations.

The combined company will be renamed Seaway 7 ASA and will initially retain OHT’s listing on Oslo’s Euronext Growth market, with a view to a future listing on Oslo Børs.

The transaction will create:

• A listed, pure-play renewables company, headquartered in Oslo and focused on offshore fixed wind
• A single supplier providing an enhanced range of standalone, integrated or EPCI(2) offerings encompassing installation of wind turbines, foundations, offshore substations, submarine cables and heavy transport
• A key player in the industry, employing around 600 people, with an active fleet of ten vessels and two further high-specification vessels under construction
• A global organisation with a track record of more than ten years and relationships with the majority of developers in the sector
• A high-end, differentiated fleet with enabling capabilities and scale, allowing efficient worldwide operations, while providing vessel flexibility and optionality to clients
• Increased exposure to the high-growth offshore wind market, with the timely and cost-efficient addition of two best-in-class foundation and turbine installation vessels in 2022 and 2023

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Subsea 7 said: “This transaction represents an important next step in Subsea 7’s Energy Transition journey that will accelerate and enhance value creation for our shareholders. As a listed company with a comprehensive fleet and experienced management team, Seaway 7 ASA is positioned to forge an enhanced growth trajectory as a global leader in offshore wind. Subsea 7 looks forward to working closely with Seaway 7 as it launches this next exciting chapter in its evolution.”

Torgeir E. Ramstad, Chief Executive Officer, OHT said: “This is a very significant event in the growing Renewables industry. Subsea 7 is a highly respected company and we are delighted that it sees OHT as a natural partner in creating a new global leader in renewables. We are committed to translating the leading capabilities that the combined company will offer into benefits for clients within the offshore fixed wind industry.”

Combination structure and terms

• The combined company will be named Seaway 7 ASA and will retain OHT’s listing on the Euronext Growth market.
• Subsea 7 will own 72% and OHT’s shareholders 28% of Seaway 7 ASA.
• Completion of the combination is subject to approval by the shareholders of OHT at an extraordinary general meeting.
• The Board of Directors of OHT has agreed to recommend the transaction to its shareholders. Songa Corp and Lotus Marine AS, with stakes of 51.1% and 25.6% respectively, have agreed to approve the transaction. Approval by Subsea 7’s shareholders is not required.
• The Board of Seaway 7 ASA will comprise four directors nominated by Subsea 7 and one nominated by OHT’s largest shareholder, Songa Corp. It will be chaired by Rune Magnus Lundetræ.
• Seaway 7 ASA will be managed by a highly experienced executive team led by Stuart Fitzgerald as Chief Executive Officer. Torgeir Ramstad and Steph McNeill will also hold executive roles.
• As majority shareholder, Subsea 7 will consolidate Seaway 7 ASA in its financial statements and the entity will benefit from financial, operational, administrative and strategic support from the Subsea 7 Group.
• It is anticipated that the transaction will be accretive to Subsea 7’s earnings from 2024 after delivery of the two newbuild vessels.
• The Works Council representing the employees of Seaway Heavy Lifting in the Netherlands will be consulted on this transaction in compliance with Dutch law.
• Transaction completion is anticipated by the end of the third quarter of 2021, subject to approval by OHT’s shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary completion conditions.

Seaway 7 ASA will leverage strengthened capabilities and a differentiated asset base to capture an increased share of this high-growth market and reinforce its position as a global leader in the offshore wind industry. Looking ahead, with the financial and operational support of its parent company, Seaway 7 ASA will have the opportunity, if market conditions permit, to accelerate the expansion of its specialized fleet.

Credit: Subsea 7