Funds managed by IK Investment Partners (“IK”) are to acquire a majority stake in Ampelmann, a Dutch-based leading supplier of Motion Compensated Gangway (MCG) systems to the offshore energy sector, from its founders. Financial details for the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Delft, the Netherlands, the company is the leading supplier of MCG systems for the offshore oil and gas, and wind power industries.
The company’s unique MCG technology actively compensates for the six degrees of motion caused by waves during transfers from vessels to fixed structures and between vessels at sea. It ensures efficient and safe transport of personnel, and it can be used without the need for a specific docking device. The increased use of MCG systems is changing the way that companies perform maintenance offshore.
Ampelmann develops, engineers, assembles, rents and operates the MCG system. The market it operates in is driven by demand for regular maintenance of offshore structures and is therefore a stable, non-cyclical end market whilst the number of transfers offshore is growing. IK’s investment will give Ampelmann the ability to expand further among its existing client base in the North Sea and will also allow it to increase penetration in overseas markets, for example in the Middle East, Brazil, Australia and Asia.
Jan van der Tempel, Ampelmann Founder and CEO, said: “We have been focused on developing the MCG technology since 2002 and we are proud of the growth trajectory and the strong track record we achieved so far. At the same time, we recognise the need for a strong partner to support us in further developing and institutionalising our business. IK will help us realise the tremendous potential, building Ampelmann into a global leader.”
Remko Hilhorst, Partner at IK Investment Partners , said: “Ampelmann’s MCG systems are the most advanced in the world and are changing the way the offshore industry carries out maintenance. By strengthening Ampelmann’s share capital, IK will support the company’s development further. We are looking forward to working with the management team whose talent and vision created the market leading technology behind MCG.”
[mappress]
Press release, July 31, 2013; Image: ampelmann