LBC: Ardian Sells Stake to MOL, A New Chapter Begins
Deal News | Mar 10, 2025 | Ardian
Ardian, a leading private investment firm, announced the sale of its 35% stake in LBC Tank Terminals to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a global shipping company. Founded in 2017, Ardian joined forces with co-shareholders APG and PGGM to back LBC, one of the largest independent chemicals storage businesses. LBC operates seven strategically located terminals in the U.S. and Europe, with a total storage capacity of approximately 3.3 million cubic meters. Under Ardian's guidance, LBC conducted significant expansion by increasing capacity by 63% and developing infrastructure to cater to new energy products. The company achieved industry-leading sustainability standards, evidenced by Platinum EcoVadis and 5-star GRESB ratings. This transaction concludes Ardian’s significant involvement, marked by growth in operations, safety, and sustainability. APG and PGGM are also exiting along with Ardian, allowing MOL to usher LBC into a new era as it aims to address the dynamic energy storage landscape.
Sectors
- Infrastructure
- Private Equity
- Logistics and Shipping
- Renewable Energy
Geography
- United States – LBC operates storage terminals in U.S. locations such as Houston and Baton Rouge.
- Europe – LBC has terminals in Rotterdam and Antwerp, key geographical locations in Europe.
- Japan – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the acquiring company, is based in Japan.
Industry
- Infrastructure – The article discusses the sale of a stake in LBC Tank Terminals, which involves infrastructure related to chemical storage facilities.
- Private Equity – Ardian, a private equity firm, is divesting its stake in LBC, showcasing activity within the private equity sector.
- Logistics and Shipping – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a major shipping company, is the acquirer, highlighting developments in the logistics and shipping industry.
- Renewable Energy – LBC's involvement in new energy storage expansion contributes to the renewable energy industry.
Financials
- 35% – The percentage stake Ardian held in LBC Tank Terminals and sold to MOL.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardian | Selling Company | Company | A leading private investment house that owned a 35% stake in LBC. |
| LBC Tank Terminals | Target Company | Company | One of the world's largest independent chemicals storage businesses. |
| Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) | Bidding Company | Company | A global shipping company acquiring a stake in LBC. |
| APG Asset Management | Selling Company | Company | Co-shareholder in LBC, exiting alongside Ardian. |
| PGGM | Selling Company | Company | Another co-shareholder in LBC, also selling its stake in the deal. |