Avance Gas on Track to Raise New Capital

Avance Gas Holding Ltd. (Avance Gas) today confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) and listing of the company on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

Subject to receiving the relevant corporate and regulatory approvals from the Oslo Stock Exchange as well as prevailing market conditions, the IPO is expected to price in April 2014.

“The board of Avance Gas sees strong opportunities within the LPG shipping segment and we believe the Company will benefit from a listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange as a platform for further growth. As part of the IPO, Avance Gas will raise new capital to pursue consolidation opportunities, and in addition, the three major shareholders are considering selling shares in order to facilitate sufficient share liquidity“, says Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, chairman of Avance Gas Holding Ltd.

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) has been retained as Global Coordinator. DNB Markets, Pareto Securities and SEB have been appointed as Joint Bookrunners. Danske Bank, Nordea Markets and Swedbank have been retained as Co-Managers.

Avance Gas was established in 2007 by Stolt-Nielsen Limited to participate in the fast growing LPG market. Since incorporation, the company has grown its fleet through partnerships with Sungas Holdings Ltd. and Frontline 2012 Ltd., and through purchases of second-hand ships.

Today, the fleet consists of six VLGC, with eight further newbuildings on order.

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March 12, 2014