This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Tue 5 Jan 2010, 00:03 GMT

Aegean in agreement to acquire Verbeke Bunkering


Verbeke deal is Aegean's largest acquisition to date as the company more than triples its global coverage since 2006.



Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Verbeke Bunkering N.V., a leading physical supplier of marine fuel in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, the world's second largest bunkering market. The acquisition, which is subject to the completion of detailed documentation, is scheduled to close by the end of the first quarter of 2010.

Verbeke Bunkering is majority owned by the fourth generation of the Verbeke family, which has an operating history of more than 100 years initially in shipping and subsequently in bunkering.

As a physical supplier, Verbeke Bunkering covers the entire ARA region, including key ports surrounding Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, such as Ghent, Zeebrugge, Flushing, Terneuzen, and Sluiskil. The company provides bunkering services in port to a diverse group of ship operators as well as marine fuel traders, brokers and other users.

Verbeke focuses on purchasing quality marine fuels from refineries and major oil producers and providing same-day sales and delivery services to customers. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the volume of marine fuel sold by Verbeke is expected to total approximately 3,500,000 metric tons.

Verbeke Bunkering operates a total of 18 bunkering vessels, of which nine are owned and nine are chartered-in. Two of the nine owned vessels are joint ventures in which Verbeke holds a minority stake. In connection with the acquisition, Aegean has agreed to purchase the nine owned bunkering vessels and assume the contracts for the nine vessels chartered-in by Verbeke. Additionally, Aegean will assume the contract for a bunkering tanker newbuilding, of which Verbeke holds a 50% stake, scheduled to be delivered in 2010.

Commenting on the acquisition, E. Nikolas Tavlarios, President of Aegean, commented, "The accretive acquisition of Verbeke represents our largest acquisition to date, positioning Aegean well to significantly increase future sales volumes and strengthen the company's global brand recognition. Based on its extensive operating history and strong reputation for high-quality service, Verbeke has built a leading market position in the ARA region. We intend to capitalize on the favorable growth prospects in the world's second largest bunkering market and meet the demand for our comprehensive marine fuel services. In addition to establishing a strategic presence in this important region with considerable ship traffic, we expect to realize meaningful operating synergies with our Belgium-based subsidiary, Bunkers at Sea, which Aegean acquired in 2007."

Mr. Tavlarios added, "Including our latest acquisition, Aegean has more than tripled its global reach since the company's IPO in December 2006. Consistent with management's opportunistic approach to consolidating the marine fuel supply industry in a disciplined manner, we expect to further expand Aegean's global market share and increase the company's earnings power."

Upon closing of the acquisition, Verbeke will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aegean and maintain its headquarters located near Antwerp. Verbeke will continue to be led by its Chief Executive Officer, Tony Vertommen.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Vertommen said, "We are excited to merge with Aegean Marine Petroleum Network. The company has established itself as a leading independent physical supplier of marine fuel from procurement to delivery. By joining Aegean's premier global network, we expect to expand our opportunities for long-term growth and strengthen our leading position in our core markets." Spyros Gianniotis, Chief Financial Officer of Aegean, stated, "We are pleased to continue to successfully execute Aegean's growth strategy while adhering to our strict return requirements. This acquisition further expands our global marine fuel platform, enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our blue-chip customers that operate on a worldwide basis. We plan to draw upon our revolving credit facilities and seek alternative financing to support our growth initiatives. In maintaining our commitment to enter new markets, we remain focused on expanding Aegean's industry leadership and creating long-term value for shareholders."


TMS Tankers logo. Lloyd’s Register delivers fleet-wide energy transition roadmap for TMS Tankers  

LR Advisory maps vessel-level compliance risk and decarbonisation pathways across the Greek owner’s tanker fleet.

Dr Prapisala Thepsithar, GCMD. GCMD shares biofuel assurance and green finance insights at Hong Kong shipping decarbonisation forum  

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation presented pilot findings on biofuels and energy efficiency financing.

Laura Maersk ethanol bunkering graphic. Maersk conducts large-scale ethanol bunkering trial on Laura Maersk in Rotterdam  

A.P. Moller – Maersk has conducted a barge-delivered ethanol bunkering operation as part of ongoing fuel trials.

Luminara vessel truck-to-ship bunkering. MOL Techno-Trade completes first LNG bunkering for international cruise ship in Hokkaido  

Truck-to-ship LNG operation at Hakodate marks first such supply to an international cruise vessel in Hokkaido.

Acta Gemini vessel. Acta Marine takes delivery of methanol dual-fuel CSOV Acta Gemini for RWE wind farm charter  

The vessel will support operations at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm at Dogger Bank.

Yeva Wood and Kirsten Møller Jørgensen. Malik Supply expands Danish team with bunker trader and finance hire  

Danish bunker supplier Malik Supply adds two new staff across its Fredericia and Aalborg offices.

AiP award ceremony for a 10,000-teu biofuel-powered container ship. HJSC wins AiP for 10,000-teu biofuel-powered container ship design  

South Korean shipbuilder HJ Shipbuilding & Construction receives classification society approval for its biofuel vessel design at Posidonia.

Active vessel. Capital Clean Energy Carriers takes delivery of LNG carrier and dual-fuel gas carrier, secures five new charters  

Athens-based CCEC expands its fleet and pushes contracted revenue backlog to $3.1bn.

VPS logo. Fuel quality management for vessels in extended idle: Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and adjacent anchorages | Rahul Choudhuri, VPS  

Managing fuel quality deterioration following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Person signing a document. Agastya Green Fuels signs 250,000 t/yr e-methanol offtake deal with Sri Lanka’s SAR Group  

Indian producer and Sri Lankan maritime firm agree long-term green methanol supply partnership.


↑  Back to Top