Jifmar Offshore Services has completed the acquisition of Acta Marine Workboats, an operator of workboat vessels.
With the purchase, Jifmar, a Marguerite portfolio company since February 2022, has taken ownership of a 26-strong fleet alongside the crews and operations (200 employees) and has established a strategic position in the Netherlands that will complement its global position.
Combined, the company now manages a fleet of over 70 vessels.
The workboat division of Acta Marine – from now on under the Jifmar brand – will continue to operate from the Dutch city of Den Helder; Govert Jan van Oord, Managing Director of Acta Marine Workboats, will stay in his role and lead the Dutch activities of Jifmar.
Marguerite, via its fund Marguerite II, and Jifmar’s CEO subscribe to the capital increase on a pro rata basis to finance part of the transaction.
The acquisition financing is comprised of a senior debt package arranged by Societe Generale on behalf of a French pool of banks, including Banque Delubac, BNP Paribas, several regional Caisse d’Epargne and Credit Lyonnais, as well as a facility from BPI France and asset-backed financing by Santander Alternative Investments.
Jean Michel Berud, CEO of Jifmar, said: “Together with Acta Marine Workboats, Jifmar becomes the world’s largest independent operator of workboats, operating a fleet of over 70 vessels. We have now secured a strong base in the Netherlands, a centre for international workboat activities.”
“This major acquisition represents yet another important milestone for Jifmar this year, following the launch of the Canopée, the first sail-powered hybrid cargo vessel. We are excited to be part of Jifmar’s journey and support it on its path to becoming the market reference in decarbonising the maritime sector and bringing it to the next level,” said Michael Dedieu, Managing Partner at Marguerite.