UK’s Proserv Buys Weatherford’s Subsea Controls Business

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Global-leading energy production technology services company Proserv based in Aberdeen, is bolstering its rapidly-expanding subsea capabilities and specialist integrated services and increasing its workforce by more than 300 people.

Proserv, which has operations globally, has agreed terms to assume Weatherford International’s subsea controls’ business, which specializes in subsea and topside communication and control systems and subsea termination equipment for offshore production optimization, control and monitoring to customers around the globe.

The venture will include the 300-plus personnel who form Weatherford’s subsea controls business and all subsea control systems operations in the UK, Norway, North America, Middle East and Far East. In the deal, Proserv will acquire the business assets, and Weatherford’s existing subsea controls management will continue to run the day-to-day operations as part of the Proserv organization. In return, Weatherford will acquire common and preferred equity in Proserv and will have representatives on Proserv’s Board.

David Lamont, Proserv’s chief executive officer, said: “Our plan for growth is to invest in complementary world-class technologies and build on our existing range of value-added products and services. The prospective business venture with this Weatherford group of businesses is a perfect strategic fit for Proserv. This Weatherford group has an excellent track record in delivering industry-leading technology on time and within budget consistently. We share our core values and ambition to be the provider of choice to our customers and together, as a partnership, we will be even stronger.

“It will be an exciting new partnership that enhances our integrated capabilities and creates significantly more capacity to develop our international business. It will also bring further positive benefits for employees and give them the opportunity to become involved in a broader, more diverse range of projects as well as considerable benefits to our fast-growing portfolio of clients through the delivery of an enhanced service capability.”

Kevin Snowling, head of Weatherford’s subsea controls’ business, said: “This exciting and complementary merging of these two like-minded businesses provides a solid platform from which the obvious growth potential of the individual businesses can be realized and further increased as a combined team.

“We have started a journey here that, once complete, will result in a stronger company – one which is built around a team of experienced and committed people who are focused on providing high quality and technically advanced solutions that are tailored to suit the requirements of our clients and their business.”

The deal is expected to be completed within the next two weeks, subject to regulatory clearances.

[mappress]
Source: Proserv, May 1, 2012