CMB.TECH, the shipowning vehicle controlled by the Saverys family, has bought a 40.8% stake in Golden Ocean, one of Europe’s largest dry bulk owners, from John Fredriksen’s Hemen Holding for $1.2bn.
CMB.TECH said there were no takeover plans yet, and that the acquisition is in line with the company’s strategic objective of diversification, and investing in a modern dry bulk fleet.
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, commented: “The acquisition of the Golden Ocean shares from Hemen represents a significant milestone in CMB.TECH’s diversification strategy. We look forward to engaging with the board, management and employees of Golden Ocean and to build on Golden Ocean’s and Mr. Fredriksen’s strong legacy to drive long-term growth and innovation.”
The news comes after Fredriksen and the Saverys family fought a 15-month battle for control of Euronav earlier this decade, something that eventually resulted in the Norwegian taking many of the firm’s most modern tankers, and Euronav remaining with the Saverys family and being rebranded CMB.TECH.
