Company Updates

3CGGlogo copyCGG announces that it has been awarded a major contract by Pemex to deliver an orthogonal wide-azimuth integrated solution designed to optimize subsalt seismic imaging in the geologically complex deep waters of the Perdido area.

A new wide-azimuth survey, covering approximately 10,000 km2, will be acquired perpendicularly over the existing wide-azimuth seismic data acquired by CGG in 2010. Imaging of this first large-scale combined orthogonal wide-azimuth dataset for Pemex is expected to provide significantly enhanced subsalt imaging results due to the improved illumination of the targets beneath the complex salt canopy.

The survey will commence in early 2017 with delivery of Fast Trax pre-stack depth migration RTM results by the end of the year and full production processing results in 2018. The data will be processed in CGG’s Villahermosa and Houston subsurface imaging centers.

Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO, CGG, said: “CGG is proud to have been selected to conduct Mexico’s first offshore orthogonal wide-azimuth program to address the significant imaging challenges relating to the presence of complex geology and salt structures in the deepwater Perdido area. CGG has historically been a key provider of high-end seismic services to Pemex and has an invaluable 28-year track record of operational experience in Mexico. We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue developing our longstanding partnership with Pemex to support their exploration & development plans.”

Unique System LLC (USA), a Unique Maritime Group company, is one of the world’s leading integrated turnkey subsea and offshore solution providers based in New Iberia, Louisiana and Houston, Texas. The company specialises in the supply of equipment for sale and rental to the diving and offshore industries in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Unique System LLC, Houston, has taken delivery of two EMO DOMINO-7 Mk-2 fibre optic multiplexer systems which are to be added to Unique System’s ROV rental pool of products.

15EMO DOMINO 7 SystemEMO DOMINO-7 Mk-2 fiber optic multiplexer system

Features

The EMO DOMINO-7 Mk-2 has been designed to offer up to 2000 watts of DC power distribution from a universal AC supply with power controlled by rugged locking switches at the DOMINO-7 topside mux rack. This multiplexer system offers a range of video, Ethernet, and serial data channels over a single or redundant fiber optic telemetry system. The system is rated for 3000 meters ocean depth.

The DOMINO-7 line is the most compact form-factor of working class ROV multiplexer systems available on the market today. The DOMINO-7 MUX system remains flexible to user requirements and can be rapidly reconfigured to meet the power and protocol needs of a large number of ocean tools and devices.

MacArtney Canada Ltd.

MacArtney Canada was fairly newly established with a view to consolidating MacArtney’s presence on the Canadian east coast as an independent unit under the MacArtney Inc. umbrella as the 6th regional operation in North America. The company serves MacArtney’s main markets representing oil and gas, ocean science, defence, marine construction, fisheries and marine renewables, including OEMs, shipyards and other suppliers catering to these markets.

5 1Dril QuiplogoDril-Quip, Inc. (NYSE: DRQ) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire TIW Corporation, a 100-year old industry-leading manufacturer of consumable downhole products for the global oil and gas market, for approximately $143 million, subject to closing adjustments. TIW provides liner hanger systems and related equipment and services worldwide and is based in Houston, Texas.

Blake DeBerry, Dril-Quip's President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, "We are pleased to include TIW Corporation as part of the Dril-Quip family, and look forward to significantly expanding our product offerings to our customers. TIW has a long history of success as a family-owned company and we intend to preserve that legacy by continuing to reliably serve our customers with our combined teams around the world. TIW is a market leader in the liner hanger business and we are particularly excited about its expandable liner hanger technology that is frequently utilized in deepwater or high pressure/high temperature environments.

5 2TIWlogo"This acquisition will be the first in Dril-Quip's history and allows us to use our strong balance sheet to increase shareholder value in the long-term. TIW's products and services fit squarely with and complement our current product offerings. In addition to its offshore market, TIW's onshore presence, particularly in the Middle East and South America, will provide Dril-Quip with more market opportunities."

Steve Pearce, President of TIW, commented, "I believe this transaction will positively position our business for further expansion. Both TIW and Dril-Quip have a long and proud tradition of innovation and commitment to the oil and gas industry, along with a shared culture of customer service, quality products and continual product development. Dril-Quip's wider product offering and broader international footprint should allow for long-term growth of our liner hanger business."

TIW is being acquired on a debt-free, cash-free basis and Dril-Quip intends to fund the consideration with cash on hand. Dril-Quip anticipates synergies to be realized from this transaction, primarily driven by cost efficiencies as well as expanded sales opportunities. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that the closing of the transaction will occur during the fourth quarter of 2016.

TIW reached peak revenues of approximately $140 million in 2014. Revenue is expected to trough between $60 million and $70 million in 2016 and is expected to increase to between $80 million and $100 million by 2018. EBITDA margins are expected to be similar to Dril-Quip's margins once synergies are realized. Additional transaction details are available in the Investor section of Dril-Quip's website at www.dril-quip.com.

Evercore served as Dril-Quip's exclusive financial advisor and PPHB served as TIW's exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.

18Ashtead Graeme BoothAshtead Technology has strengthened its UK team with the appointment of a regional technical support leader, to provide its customers with the most efficient, cost-effective technological solutions.

With a career spanning more than 25 years in the subsea industry, Graeme Booth joins Ashtead from Subsea 7 where he held a number of technical support and offshore operational roles, including survey equipment superintendent.

Mr. Booth will provide customers with technical support covering equipment rentals and custom engineered packages, for survey and ROV operations worldwide.

Based in Aberdeen, Mr. Booth’s role has been created in response to increased customer demand for outsourced integrated technical support from initial pre-bid stage through to offshore execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Allan Pirie, chief executive of Ashtead Technology, said: “We understand that selecting the right technological solution, with 24/7 support is critical to the success of our customers’ subsea operations. We will continue to expand our technical support team in response to current market challenges.

“Our customers are increasingly looking to their suppliers for ways to minimize technical and operational risks and drive down costs. Graeme will be integral to driving this forward, supporting our existing customers, developing new business opportunities and growing our service offering. “Graeme’s extensive industry experience, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of survey and ROV equipment, will provide additional value to our customers.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Booth said: “Ashtead is a company with a clear vision and a highly skilled team who have helped shape the company into the industry leader it is today. I look forward to playing my part in the next phase of the company’s growth, as it looks to enhance its range of value-added services to support customer projects globally.”

Founded in 1985, Ashtead Technology is a world-leading, independent subsea equipment solutions specialist providing rental and sale of marine equipment, offshore personnel, calibration, repair and maintenance, asset management, training and custom engineered solutions. Positioned at the forefront of technology and innovative solutions, Ashtead strives to provide a one-stop-shop for cost effective solutions to maximize performance with high quality service and delivery.

Global Maritime Consultancy & Engineering, a provider of marine warranty, dynamic positioning and engineering services to the offshore sector, has been awarded a Master Services Agreement (MSA) by Norwegian operator Statoil. Services covered in the global agreement include platform technology studies; safety studies; marine verification; and warranty surveys.

The MSA replaces several previous frame agreements between Statoil and Global Maritime.

6Statoil Awards MSA to Global MaritimePhoto courtesy: Global Maritime

David Sutton, CEO of Global Maritime Consultancy & Engineering, said: “This is an endorsement of the work Global Maritime has carried out for Statoil over the last few years. It is also testament to the strength of our relationship, and our focus on innovation, operational excellence and delivery.”

He continues: We look forward to continuing to leverage our global knowledge and expertise to provide Statoil with the best possible service.”

Global Maritime has a longstanding relationship with Statoil and has provided services on many of the operator’s fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and globally. The most recent work was the successful disconnection and towing of the Njord A semi-submersible floating production platform from the Njord field to an onshore maintenance facility. Other recent projects include Marine Warranty Surveys for the Hywind Scotland and Dudgeon Wind Farms.

Steen S. Karstensen joined the Group in 1986 and has had an impressive 30-year-career with the company in procurement, logistics, supply chain, in-house consultancy and other cross-functional areas. Currently Chief Procurement Officer, he is now appointed CEO of Maersk Supply Service with effect from 24 October.

16steen s karstensen maersk supply serviceSteen S. Karstensen

”Steen Karstensen is a widely respected leader who has built a strong global procurement organization serving all of Maersk's business units, generating significant savings. Additionally, he has been responsible for Maersk Oil Trading and Maersk Maritime Technology, which has given him in-depth exposure to also the Energy related aspects of the Maersk business model,” says Group Vice CEO Claus V. Hemmingsen who continues:

“In addition, Steen helped in creating Maersk Management Consulting from scratch, which has brought talent and new thinking to our businesses. I’m excited that he will now take on the challenge in heading Maersk Supply Service in their next chapter of the journey.”

Steen Karstensen’s previous role in Group Procurement included overseeing Maersk Maritime Technology, Maersk Oil Trading and Maersk Management Consulting. These areas combine a workforce of over 800 professionals globally, located in 20 different countries.

“I’m excited to take on this new role. Maersk Supply Service is currently operating in very tough markets, but nevertheless is well positioned to broaden its scope of operations,” Steen Karstensen says. “A strong balance sheet gives the business a position of strength, from which it can be part of the consolidation and restructuring that inevitably will take place in the industry.”

Jørn Madsen, former CEO of Maersk Supply Service, was recently announced CEO of Maersk Drilling. He will take on this role with effect 7 November.

11LloydRegisterogoMaersk Oil has awarded a long-term contract to Lloyd's Register for a comprehensive suite of asset integrity services to support the development of Maersk Oil’s offshore operations in an efficient, safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Lloyd's Register will provide support in key areas of operational risk – change management, contractor management, inspection plans and reporting, asset optimization, risk-based assessments and written schemes of examination. Additional areas of technical expertise will also be provided on structural and pipeline integrity management systems, and corrosion monitoring.

“Ensuring consistent standards of integrity services across a network of high-value offshore assets is an increasingly complex task. Operators often face challenges that arise from differing operating regimes across different structures, work cultures and levels of asset maturity,” said James Drummond, VP Asset Integrity and Development Solutions from Lloyd’s Register.

Lloyd’s Register has a long standing relationship with Maersk Oil globally for the provision of integrity and compliance services, and has held the Integrity Contract with Maersk Oil UK since 2005, a testament to the quality of service provided and a commitment to improving the performance of its clients’ operations.

Although a key focus of the contract is to mitigate major threats, Lloyd’s Register experts will provide oversight in to the operation of each asset and also address challenging exploration requirements and specific operational needs.

“We are proud to be working with Maersk Oil to help enable their continued focus on safe production and operations to reduce risk. Lloyd’s Register is one of a very few third-party assurance providers with the diversity of technical expertise to fully support multinationals in this area, and we believe this agreement recognizes that,” highlights Drummond.

3sapura kencana logo vector 720x340SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad (“SapuraKencana”) has been awarded new contracts by clients with a combined value of approximately USD215 million (approximately RM889 million, based on USD/MYR exchange rate of USD1: RM4.14).

Details of each of these contracts are as summarized below:

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

Award of Contract in relation to the B127 Cluster Pipeline RTR Project by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

A consortium of SapuraKencana TL Offshore Sdn. Bhd. and SapuraKencana HL Sdn. Bhd. has been awarded a contract by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) in relation to the B127 Cluster Pipeline RTR Project. The scope of work consists of engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning of 11 pipeline systems and associated topside modifications in B127 and surrounding Mumbai High fields located off the west coast of India. The Contract is for a period of 20 months.

Award of Contract for the Provision of Tender Assist Drilling Rig SKD Pelaut by Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd.

SapuraKencana Drilling Asia Limited has been awarded a contract by Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd. (“Brunei Shell Petroleum”) for the provision of its Tender Assist Drilling Rig SKD Pelaut. The contract builds on the long term partnership between Brunei Shell Petroleum and SapuraKencana whereby Brunei Shell Petroleum will continue to use SKD Pelaut as a bespoke technical solution for its development drilling campaign offshore Brunei Darussalam. The contract is for a firm period of 2 years with options to extend for an additional 2 years.

Award of Contract for the Provision of Underwater Maintenance Services for Sepat Mobile Offshore Production Unit (“MOPU”) by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd.

SapuraKencana Subsea Services Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as SapuraKencana Allied Marine Sdn. Bhd.) has been awarded a project by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd. (“PCSB”) for the provision of underwater maintenance services for Sepat MOPU.

The scope of work consists of inspection, maintenance, repairs, drilling support and other work for PCSB’s underwater facilities to be executed in the water shore and offshore Peninsular Malaysia at 0-2000 meters water depth, with diver intervention at 0-300 meters water range at the Sepat MOPU Field. The Contract is for a period of approximately 2 months.

9 1Endeavor Logo Transp Back copyEndeavor Management and DeepDriver LLC have announced that they have opened industry participation in a Technology Demonstration Project (TDP) for DeepDriver’s breakthrough ROV powered subsea piling hammer.

In today’s oil & gas price environment, the overriding imperative is to seek new ways to lower capital and operating costs. DeepDriver’s innovative technology offers a significantly more cost effective means to install small to medium diameter piles at any water depth with typical savings of 35% to 50% per project. DeepDriver can be used for conventional driven applications such as anchors, moorings, well conductors, etc., as well as enabling uses not currently undertaken such as pipeline route stabilizations and remediation, deepwater pin piles and next generation hybrid mud mats. Key elements of the technology were successfully land tested earlier in 2016.

9 2DeepDriverLogoThis TDP proposes to build a full scale system and undertake a series of tests including onshore FAT and land tests, shallow water test and, finally, a deepwater offshore trial in the Gulf of Mexico to demonstrate all aspects of the system’s operations. The TDP will deliver a field proven system to the industry.

Endeavor and DeepDriver are seeking industry participants to contribute to this project from a cross section of the stakeholder segments involved in the global subsea sector: Oil and Gas Operators, Vessel Operators, Service Companies, and Midstream Pipeline Operators. Participants will not only yield benefits to the industry by lowering costs on new projects and repair / maintenance on existing infrastructure, but will receive specific commercial benefits following completion of the TDP.

Bruce Crager, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Management, stated, “The subsea industry is facing huge challenges to reduce costs. With this TDP we expect to deliver an innovative system ready for use by the global industry within 12 months.”

William Zakroff, CEO of DeepDriver, added “DeepDriver was invented and engineered by co-founder and CTO James Adamson P.E., a world renowned technical authority in ROVs and ROV tooling. After completion of the TDP, DeepDriver will initially focus on IRM projects as the subsea industry recovers.”

17Delmar Jon MurphyJon R. Murphy has joined the Delmar Systems, Inc. global business development team. Based out of Delmar’s engineering and subsea office in Houston, Texas, Jon will be focused on strengthening and developing Delmar’s relationship with existing and potential new clients.

Jon R. Murphy

Jon has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Prior to joining Delmar, Murphy served as Director of Marketing and Contracts for Noble Drilling Corporation subsidiaries. “We are pleased to welcome Jon to Delmar,” said John Bodin, Delmar Director of Global Business Development. “His extensive world-wide experience and knowledge will open new and exciting opportunities for Delmar with both traditional drilling contractor contacts and oil and gas operators.”

Delmar specializes in mooring semi-submersible drilling rigs in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Headquartered in Broussard, LA with engineering and subsea services based in Houston, TX, Delmar System, Inc. has provided mooring and subsea installation services for over 48 years to oil and gas regions around the globe, with offices strategically located to serve the offshore industry.

ELA Container Offshore GmbH ordered several Drying Systems from Pronomar BV to increase stock. By doing this, ELA prepares itself for the cold season in which there is a high demand for Drying Containers. “We always have containers in stock to be able to react to customers’ demands on short notice. Especially within the offshore industry where every second counts”, says Hans Gatzemeier, Managing Director of ELA Container Offshore GmbH. “Since all of our Offshore Drying Containers are leased out, we ordered new drying systems to have some containers available on short notice”, explains Gatzemeier.

16ELA DryingContainer webThe container is equipped with a Pronomar Drying system suitable to dry suits, gloves and boots

The 20 ft ELA Offshore Drying Container is available for rent and sale. It is equipped with a Pronomar Drying System which is suitable to dry suits, boots and gloves for up to 20 people. All drying systems are made from solid stainless steel and are therefore built to last. The drying systems dry the clothes from the inside out by means of a large amount of warm air entering from a powerful blower. Within a maximum time of three hours, all clothing will be dry. “The drying systems prolong the lifetime of the costly work wear. Seen from a health perspective, the amount of sick leave decreases as workers are more likely to get sick when working in wet or damp overalls”, says Jiska Bazuin, Operations Manager at Pronomar BV.

ELA Container has already gained diverse experience in the Offshore-Wind and Offshore Oil & Gas Industry. Whether on pontoons, transformer platforms, rigs or supply vessels - ELA Container is the ideal partner, offering tailor-made concepts for all requirements in the form of Living Quarters, Offices, Dining Rooms, Galleys, Laundries, Recreation or Locker Rooms and all types of Carrying Units. ELA Offshore containers are equipped with all the necessary utilities. This guarantees, in combination with all ELA Offshore features, a long service life, functionality and comfort.

The high quality Containers are “Made in Germany” according to German quality standards and possess all necessary certifications such as DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079-1, DNV 2.7-2, based on SOLAS, IMO FSS Code and MLC as well as CSC and are approved from several IACS-companies. In terms of fire resistance, an A60 insulation provides high safety standards. Every container will be checked before delivery. Depending on customer requirements, ELA Offshore Containers are individually customized, immediately operational and are available at short notice.

The main features of ELA offshore accommodations include:

  • Flexibility on demand
  • One base type with various accommodation solutions
  • Easy handling thanks to standard 20 ft High-Cube ISO standard dimensions
  • Highest quality standards

6MaerskResolveThe Maersk Resolve has finalized the planned work scope for DONG Energy at the Hejre field in the Danish sector of the North Sea, and Maersk Drilling has therefore received a letter of early termination. The original contract was scheduled to end in January 2017. The compensation under the early termination agreement leaves Maersk Drilling financially neutral to the original contract.

“We are all acutely aware of the difficult market situation we are facing in the offshore drilling industry, however, it is gratifying to see a rig like the Maersk Resolve and her crew outperform expectations and complete her work scope several months ahead of schedule for the complex HPHT development at Hejre,” says Head of Global Sales, Michael Reimer Mortensen and continues:

“The Maersk Resolve and her crew has delivered a great performance throughout the duration of the contract, and we aim to secure a new contract for the rig as soon as possible.”

Maersk Resolve is a High Efficiency jack-up built in 2009 and is designed for year-round operation in harsh environments and in water depths of up to 350ft. The rig is fully HPHT capable and prepared for Managed Pressure Drilling technology.

11seanic 250x250 copySeanic Ocean Systems (Seanic) announce the addition of Ray Maza to their business development team. Mr. Maza’s history in the subsea market makes him the ideal candidate to help Seanic enhance their long range growth objectives. With beginnings as an ROV pilot and technician, Mr. Maza has progressed through his career taking leadership roles for global commercial activities that include ROV development, subsea project management, operations management, and strategic sales planning.

The recent move by Seanic to a new facility in Katy, Texas will afford Mr. Maza a unique opportunity to implement business development initiatives to support the firm’s ever expanding cache of capabilities. One of these core abilities that Seanic is currently promoting stems from the construction of a full-service test tank that enables their clients to test their products in a controlled environment. The tank is large enough to wet-test a variety of subsea components using a work class ROV simulating field operations.

“Seanic’s new facility and their engineering capabilities present us with a chance to better serve the needs of current and potential clients,” noted Mr. Maza. Tom Ayars, president of Seanic, said, “We’re excited to bring Ray on board. He has acquired a broad range of field, operational and business development experiences that are important in this time of heightened budget awareness and lean operation strategies. We look forward to a productive future with this partnership.”

Oceaneering logoOceaneering International, Inc. (“Oceaneering”) (NYSE:OII) announces that it has acquired the assets of Blue Ocean Technologies, LLC (“Blue Ocean”), a privately held provider of riserless light well intervention (“RLWI”) services, for approximately $30 million in cash. Included in the acquisition are three RLWI systems, two of which are currently under construction, and are expected to be fully functional by mid-2017.

1Oceaneering blue ocean aquisition oceaneering

Oceaneering expects to invest approximately $10 million to complete construction of the two RLWI systems.

Subsea well intervention services are intended to maximize production and increase the recovery rate from offshore oil and gas reservoirs or, alternatively, prepare wells to be plugged and abandoned. Blue Ocean’s RLWI systems have the capability to perform a wide variety of cost effective services for well interventions, including well diagnostics, damaged well remediation and workovers, and well plugging and abandonment. Blue Ocean’s leading RLWI technology holds the current depth record for deepwater riserless intervention at 8,200 feet (2,500m).

Kevin McEvoy, Chief Executive Officer of Oceaneering, stated, “We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Blue Ocean, which we believe will enable us to further penetrate the subsea well intervention market and support existing and new customers with additional safe, cost effective subsea solutions. The services offered by Blue Ocean are complementary to our subsea products operations, and Blue Ocean will add talent and expertise that reflects our commitment to provide quality results with an integrated and expanded platform to drive growth. This acquisition fits our strategy on increasing our services and products offerings focus related to the production phase of the offshore field life cycle.”

Oceaneering intends to report the future financial results of Blue Ocean through Oceaneering’s Subsea Products segment, under its Services and Rentals business unit.

17helge profile MCSGlobal Maritime Consultancy & Engineering, a provider of marine warranty, dynamic positioning and engineering services to the offshore sector, has appointed Helge Flesland to lead its Mission Critical Systems Group in Norway.

Helge will be responsible for managing and further developing Global Maritime’s mission critical systems, including crane, marine operations and dynamic positioning (DP). Other areas of Helge’s brief will include ensuring that all operations are compliant, actively participating in the company’s future strategic direction, and defining mission critical services and client priorities.

Mikal Grure Eie, Regional Manager for Norway, said: “Global Maritime is an industry leader in the operation and inspection of mission critical and marine control systems and we are delighted that Helge has agreed to head up this vital role. As we move forward, Norwegian customers can look forward to the very highest standards in safety and risk reduction and the effective operation of all their mission critical systems.”

Helge has more than 25 years experience in HSE safety, risk analysis and risk management for both onshore and offshore operators, with his main focus over the last few years being large modification projects on platforms in the North Sea related to oil field life extensions.

Prior to joining Global Maritime in 2015, where he has held a number of roles including managing Global Maritime’s risk and HSE business in Singapore, Helge was Senior Principal Consultant and also Risk Services Manager at Lloyds Register Consulting. In his career at Lloyds Register, Helge managed the company’s risk and safety departments in Australia and Lloyds Register’s involvement in the Johan Sverdrup project, one of Norway’s largest-ever offshore projects. Helge also worked for Statoil as HSE Manager on the Gullfaks project, where he conducted HSE risk management, safety analysis and design reviews among other activities. Helge has a BSc in Petroleum Technology and a Master of Management from the BI Norwegian Business School.

Global Maritime’s Mission Critical Systems Group specializes in risk reduction and assurance for all equipment and systems. Applying the latest industry standards, Global Maritime works closely with clients to identify and control vulnerabilities and hazards, maximizing safety and minimizing downtime. Areas of expertise include audits relating to cranes and other lifting equipment that ensures safe and efficient operation; dynamic positioning (DP); subsea systems; umbilical pipe lay systems; jacking systems; bow loading and cargo handling systems; anchor chain and cable spooling equipment; and more.

11 1FranksIntl logoFrank’s International N.V. (“Frank’s”) (NYSE:FI) announces that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Blackhawk Group Holdings, Inc., the ultimate parent company of Blackhawk Specialty Tools LLC (“Blackhawk”), a leading provider of well construction and well intervention services and products. Blackhawk is being purchased from Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm which acquired the business together with management in 2013.

11 2BlackhawklogoFrank’s expects that Blackhawk’s specialty cementation tools will augment its tubular running services business by providing Frank’s the opportunity to diversify its offerings and emerge as a leader in a new business line and a significantly larger addressable market. In addition to what Frank’s believes is a line of well-regarded, market leading, technically differentiated specialty cementation tools, Blackhawk also provides well intervention products through its line of brute packers and related products, and is continuing its development of products for onshore and offshore applications.

Gary Luquette, Frank’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Similar to Frank’s, Blackhawk has a reputation for combining exceptional service with an innovative portfolio of technology that delivers consistent value to customers. Together we will continue to offer the same reliable service customers expect, while furthering customer relationships with new products and services across the Frank’s global footprint. Joining Blackhawk’s cementing tool expertise with Frank’s global tubular running services franchise will allow us to offer customers worldwide a more integrated suite of best-in-class products and services to address their well construction needs across all environments from land to shelf to deepwater.”

Billy Brown, Blackhawk’s Chief Executive Officer and a founder of the company, stated, “Joining the Frank’s global family is the next step in continuing the expansion of Blackhawk’s industry leading specialty products and equipment. Our team is proud of the progress we have made in developing innovative products and strong customer relationships through quality and reliable service, and we appreciate the support we have enjoyed from our partners at Bain Capital. Combining Frank’s and Blackhawk is the right strategic move at the right time, providing customers the same exceptional service with a broader platform to accelerate future growth.”

Todd Cook, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity, said, “We have been pleased to work with and support the experienced team at Blackhawk in executing a focused and durable strategy in a demanding, sophisticated market. We look forward to participating in the significant growth we believe will flow from combining these two best in class service providers.”

The merger consideration comprises a combination of approximately $150 million of cash on hand and approximately 12.8 million shares of Frank’s common stock, on a cash-free, debt-free basis (with approximately $80 million of Blackhawk debt being repaid at closing with proceeds from the transaction), subject to adjustment. Based on the Frank’s closing price on Thursday, October 6, 2016 the transaction is valued at approximately $321 million.

Frank’s is focused on driving revenue synergies, and expects the acquired products and services to benefit from Frank’s global presence, operating excellence and strong balance sheet, significantly enhancing the growth potential of the business. Additionally, over time, Frank’s expects to realize the benefits of increased cost efficiency by providing a broader set of product offerings through its combined global infrastructure and optimizing supply chain operations to take advantage of the expanded business.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that the closing of the transaction will occur during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as Frank’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction, and legal advice was provided by Baker & McKenzie LLP. Blackhawk was advised by Simmons & Company International, the energy specialist unit of Piper Jaffray, and legal advice was provided by Ropes & Gray LLP.

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