Strategic Partnership
Abu Dhabi MAR, the international shipbuilding group based in Abu Dhabi, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems have signed a contract for the sale of Blohm + Voss to Abu Dhabi MAR. 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 both Hamburg-based Blohm + Voss Repair and Blohm + Voss Industries.
The parties also agreed on the formation of a 50:50 strategic partnership for the design and program management of naval vessels. The two companies had already signed a memorandum of understanding on this in October 2009. 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.”
“In Abu Dhabi MAR we have found a suitable partner for a highly promising long-term relationship. This strategic partnership represents a solid foundation for the future of the shipyard and will make it possible to attract new customers,” said Dr. Olaf Berlien, member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG. 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 (Außenwirtschaftsgesetz). The closing is expected to take place by the end of June 2010.