Aker Solutions splits into two companies

May 1, 2014
Aker Solutions will split into two companies to speed up a streamlining process that will reduce costs and better position all parts of the group to meet the needs of customers.

Offshore staff

FORNEBU, NorwayAker Solutions will split into two companies to speed up a streamlining process that will reduce costs and better position all parts of the group to meet the needs of customers.

The Subsea, Umbilicals, Engineering and Maintenance, Modifications and Operations (MMO) areas will form a new company under the Aker Solutions name. The company will be more strategically aligned, have a narrower focus and deeper synergies.

The other units, including Drilling Technologies, Aker Oilfield Services and Process Systems, will be developed independently as part of a new oil-services investment company, named Akastor.

The split, which will take place as a spin-off of the new Aker Solutions, is scheduled to occur around the end of September. Both companies will be listed on the Oslo stock exchange.

"The new Aker Solutions will be a leaner and more focused company that will be able to offer customers the unique and cost-effective technology and design they need to succeed," said Executive Chairman Øyvind Eriksen. "We are taking a major step in a transformation that began 12 years ago with the merger of Kværner and Aker Maritime. After this transaction and the 2011 Kværner spin-off, we will have created three distinct companies to service the global energy industry, providing offshore construction, unique subsea technology and field design and oilfield services. We have also divested NOK 12 billion in assets as part of the process."

Luis Araujo, the regional president for Aker Solutions in Brazil, will be CEO of the new Aker Solutions. Frank Ove Reite, currently managing partner at Converto, will become CEO of Akastor. Øyvind Eriksen will remain chairman of the board of Aker Solutions.

Leif Borge, the current CFO of Aker Solutions, will be CFO of Akastor. Svein Oskar Stoknes, who heads the subsea area's finance function, will take on the role as CFO of the new Aker Solutions.

04/30/2014