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22 Dec 15. Kongsberg Maritime: Strengthens simulator capacity by acquiring SMSC. Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract to buy the Trondheim-based ship simulation and consultancy company, Ship Modelling & Simulation Centre AS (SMSC). The acquisition, which is expected to be completed January 2016, will contribute to strengthening Kongsberg Maritime’s position as a world leader in maritime simulation.
Kongsberg Maritime delivers solutions that provide high quality simulator training for merchant marine, navy and offshore personnel.
“More sophisticated vessel operations have contributed to an increasing focus on training to enhance safety and efficiency,” says CEO of Kongsberg Maritime, Geir Håøy. “SMSC fits perfectly into our business and will complement our existing product and service portfolio well. In addition to supplying simulators, training and certification, the competence of SMSC also supports us to offer our shipyard and offshore customers new and innovative simulation services, ranging from ship modelling and engineering projects to pre-simulation and operational consulting.”
“At a time of strong focus on cost savings, it is important to look into the optimisation of procedures and crew training for more competent and effective implementation of operations. With the acquisition of SMSC, we will have the ability to assist our customers to improve their margins,” adds Håøy.
“SMSC has a strong research community, which by becoming a part of Kongsberg Maritime’s international simulator enterprise, will have the opportunity to develop its potential further,” says resigning chairman of SMSC, Kaare Gisvold.
For Kongsberg Maritime’s existing simulator customers, the acquisition of SMSC will contribute to increasing capacity, for instance for the development of new and accurate models to use in simulation exercises.
“The acquisition of SMSC will in all aspects strengthen our market position. SMSC will be integrated as part of Kongsberg Maritime and continue its activities in Trondheim. We already have substantial operations in the city and close involvement with innovative technology environments there, including NTNU, Marintek and Ocean Space Centre,” concludes Håøy.
22 Dec 15. Apax Partners to buy commercial satellite communication business of Airbus. Airbus Group has entered into a share purchase agreement (SPA) with French private equity firm, Apax Partners to sell the company’s commercial satellite communication business.
The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close next month.
The agreement is a part of Airbus Defence and Space strategy announced last year and the divestment does not include the company’s government satellite communication business.
In last September, Airbus Defence and Space unit of Airbus Group stated that after a thorough assessment, the company has decided to focus on military aircraft, space, missiles and related systems and services businesses in future.
Airbus Defence and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert previously said: “Given the tight budgetary situation in our home countries and increasing competition on global markets, the portfolio review is an essential element to further develop our defence and space business and to ensure its competitiveness.
“We have identified those segments where this is an achievable target and those where we should explore alternative options. In short, the portfolio review is a logical next step in the overall transformation process.
“It will strengthen Airbus Defence and Space’s business core, unlocking its full potential to drive the defence and space industry forwards, particularly on critically important international growth markets.”
In order to reorganise its future cor