NBGI Private Equity, investor in Aberdeen-based ATR Group, plans to close on the aquisition of the Aberdeen and Norway operations of Cosalt Offshore today. This will bring together Cosalt’s technical leadership in offshore lifting, combined with its comprehensive offshore inspection, testing and safety service with ATR’s global equipment rental service offering to the offshore maintenance sector.
ATR chief executive, Keith Moorhouse, will lead the enlarged group. He said: “This deal will be welcomed by Cosalt’s staff, customers and suppliers as an end to a period of uncertainty. Cosalt has an excellent technical and operational reputation and is an integral part of the supply chain of many of the energy sector’s leading oil service companies and operators. Cosalt and ATR will be pooling their significant resources and technical expertise to deliver a broad, integrated service offering to the oil and gas industry.”
“The deal will bolster ATR’s growth by opening up the Norwegian market and improving its operational capacity through access to Cosalt’s skilled engineers, technicians and inspectors and its substantial equipment hire fleet.”
Together ATR and Cosalt will employ almost 400 people with a turnover of £55m and will seek to consolidate and grow the two businesses to over £100m turnover organically and by acquisition.
A supplier in the rental of specialized tools and equipment for the offshore oil and gas industry maintenance market, ATR has flourished since the investment by NBGI in early 2012, expanding its client base, rental fleet and global footprint. Its strategic move into subsea equipment rental and services was accelerated by the acquisition of UES last year.
Cosalt Offshore has been part of Grimsby-based Cosalt PLC. The company provides a wide range of offshore and marine safety equipment, lifting and rigging gear, wire rope, related tools and safety at height products alongside offshore inspection and compliance services.
Advisers in the deal included Dundas & Wilson, Johnston Carmichael and PwC.
