Ocean Group Announces Strategic Shareholding Restructure
Deal News | Jul 22, 2025 | CDPQ
Ocean Group, a leader in the Canadian maritime industry, has announced a pivotal change in its shareholding structure as part of a strategic growth initiative. The transition, characterized by a management buyout led by President and CEO Jacques Tanguay, continues the involvement of founder Gordon Bain. Financial support comes from La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) and Investissement Québec, which have jointly invested $145 million, replacing previous stakeholder Fonds de solidarité FTQ. This transaction ensures Ocean Group remains a Quebec-owned company and strengthens its core position within the Canadian and Quebec maritime sectors. The transformation bolsters Ocean Group’s strategy for sustainable growth, preserves jobs, and reaffirms its commitment to maritime economic contributions in Quebec. The management buyout marks a critically planned growth phase, leveraging experienced local partners to strengthen Ocean Group's presence in Canada and internationally.
Sectors
- Maritime Industry
- Investment and Private Equity
Geography
- Quebec, Canada – Ocean Group is headquartered in Quebec and this transaction solidifies its Quebecois identity and economic impact.
- Canada – As a Canadian maritime leader, the transaction impacts Ocean Group's operations within Canada.
- Jamaica – Ocean Group operates in Jamaica as part of its international reach.
Industry
- Maritime Industry – Ocean Group operates primarily within this industry, with activities ranging across harbor towing, marine works, and naval construction.
- Investment and Private Equity – The article highlights investments and shareholding changes involving private equity firm CDPQ and governmental investment from Investissement Québec.
Financials
- $145 million – Investment made by the Government of Quebec and Investissement Quebec, replacing Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Group | Target Company | Company | A leader in the Canadian maritime industry, known for harbor towing, marine works, and naval construction. |
| Gordon Bain | Founder | Person | The founder of Ocean Group, involved in its continued operations post-shareholding change. |
| Jacques Tanguay | President and CEO | Person | Leads the management buyout and strategic direction for Ocean Group's future growth. |
| La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) | Investor | Company | A long-standing partner of Ocean Group, reinvesting in the company to support its growth. |
| Investissement Québec | Investor | Government | Acquires equity interest, investing $145 million to support Ocean Group's strategic growth within Quebec. |
| Fonds de solidarité FTQ | Selling Company | Company | Previously held equity in Ocean Group, now replaced by new investors. |
| Government of Quebec | Investor | Government | Supports Ocean Group's growth and reinforces its economic contributions to the Quebec region. |