AQS to See Significant Growth with Marguerite's Investment
Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | Marguerite Adviser SA
Marguerite Adviser SA, through its pan-European infrastructure fund Marguerite III, is set to invest in Norway's AQS Holding AS by acquiring a 50% stake. This strategic move involves a capital increase with new shares issuance to bolster AQS's fleet expansion and long-term goals. AQS, founded in 1991 and based in Flatanger, operates a fleet of 16 service vessels, aiding major aquaculture ventures along the Norwegian coast. With this investment, AQS aims to advance its electric and hybrid fleet in alignment with global decarbonization efforts. Norway, a major player in global seafood production, affords AQS numerous market opportunities. The investment aligns with Marguerite's strategy to promote the maritime sector's decarbonization. The collaboration anticipates appointing a new CEO, reinforcing the management structure as current GM Pl Anders Lauvsnes transitions to COO. The transaction is expected to conclude by April 2025. Marguerite will be supported by advisors including Danske Bank, Wikborg Rein, Arcadis, Deloitte, Optra Risk, and Willis Towers Watson. AQS and its shareholders have partnered with SpareBank 1 Markets and Schjødt for advisory roles.
Sectors
- Maritime Infrastructure
- Aquaculture Services
- Renewable Energy/Decarbonization
Geography
- Norway – AQS is a Norwegian company operating along the Norwegian coastline, and the investment highlights Norway's significant role in global seafood production.
- Pan-European – Marguerite is a pan-European infrastructure fund, suggesting a broader European context for the investment strategy.
Industry
- Maritime Infrastructure – The article involves investment in AQS, a service vessel operator, highlighting advancements and growth in maritime infrastructure.
- Aquaculture Services – AQS operates specialized service vessels that assist aquaculture companies, positioning the industry as pivotal to Norway's seafood production sector.
- Renewable Energy/Decarbonization – The investment focuses on expanding AQS’s fleet of electric and hybrid vessels, contributing to the maritime sector's decarbonization efforts.
Financials
- 50% – Marguerite is acquiring a 50% shareholding in AQS.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marguerite Adviser SA | Investor/PE Firm | Company | A pan-European infrastructure fund involved in investing in sustainable maritime infrastructure. |
| AQS Holding AS | Target Company | Company | A leading Norwegian operator of specialized service vessels for aquaculture. |
| Fanyskjret AS | Existing Shareholder | Company | The family holding of the Ove Lfsns family, retaining 50% shareholding in AQS. |
| Ove Lfsns | Chairman of AQS | Person | |
| Michael Dedieu | Managing Partner at Marguerite | Person | |
| Pl Anders Lauvsnes | General Manager/Chief Operating Officer | Person | Current General Manager of AQS, transitioning to the COO role. |
| Danske Bank | M&A Advisor | Company | Advised Marguerite on the transaction. |
| Wikborg Rein | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to Marguerite. |
| Arcadis | Technical and Commercial Advisor | Company | Advised Marguerite on technical and commercial aspects. |
| Deloitte | Financial and Tax Advisor | Company | Provided financial and tax advice to Marguerite. |
| Optra Risk | W&I Advisor | Company | Provided warranty and indemnity advice to Marguerite. |
| Willis Tower Watson | Insurance Advisor | Company | Provided insurance-related advice to Marguerite. |
| SpareBank 1 Markets | M&A Advisor | Company | Advised AQS and its shareholders on the transaction. |
| Schjødt | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to AQS and its shareholders. |