Monday, October 26, 2015

Two Safety at Sea Groups Join Up to Extend Subsea and Offshore Options

Established Hyperbaric Lifeboat Maker Acquired in Cross Continental Deal
Shipping News Feature
UAE – NETHERLANDS – Two organisations dedicated to safety at sea have come together with the news that Oceanwide, a Netherland’s based designer and manufacturer of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats, has been acquired by the Sharjah headquartered Unique Group which provides integrated subsea and offshore solutions.

The deal will enable Oceanwide to expand its services across the regions where Unique Group has existing facilities, including the Middle East, Singapore and the USA. Oceanwide will use Unique Group’s capital to invest in research, development and continued innovation. This is Unique Group’s first acquisition since it announced an ambitious growth plan earlier this year, and the acquisition of a Rotterdam office will open up access to new clients across the Antwerp, Hamburg and Bremen seaports.

Oceanwide was founded in 2002 and will now be wholly owned by Unique Group but will continue to be managed by its founders, Rob Bunders and Klaas Kapteijn, with the current workforce being retained. Rob Bunders, commented:

“This transaction gives Oceanwide a partner to take our business to the next level. As well as bringing operational and financial benefits, we can also invest in innovation with a specific focus on new materials and new technology for the next generation of our product. Our customers will continue to receive a quality service, but with presence in new locations, we can be even more responsive and faster to market.”

Founded in 1993 and employing over 500 people globally Unique is a specialist in the provision of engineering, sales and rental of equipment for the marine, diving, and subsea market sectors with a local presence in the USA, UK, South Africa, India and Singapore. Harry Gandhi, founder and CEO of Unique Group said:

“As a customer of Oceanwide’s for many years, we are well aware of the quality of its products. No other company can match Oceanwide’s position in the market. This acquisition brings a true global market leader into the Unique Group and provides Oceanwide with the platform to extend its capabilities internationally and pursue a number of new and exciting growth opportunities.”