The Netherlands: Future Looks Great for IHC Merwede

A decision has been made to maintain the current shareholder structure at IHC Merwede. The IHC Merwede Supervisory Board – in addition to all of the current shareholders – is comfortable with the financial strength of the company for the next year.

With the support of JP Morgan and Rabobank M&A, IHC Merwede has carried out extensive research over the past few months into the possibility of broadening the shareholding structure. However, the current situation within the global financial markets has resulted in limited opportunities to achieve this.

This means that the current structure will now remain in place for the long term. The IHC Merwede shareholders are: Rabo Capital, which holds 49 per cent; Indofin Group, with 18 per cent; and the management and personnel of IHC Merwede, with 33 per cent. The shareholders are unabated in their commitment to the long-term success of IHC Merwede.

IHC Merwede is well equipped for future expansion. Earlier this year, the company secured the financial backing of its underwriting capacity to €1.5billion. This was achieved with the support of an international banking consortium consisting of Rabobank, ING, ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank.

This funding provides sufficient capacity for anticipated future growth. In addition, IHC Merwede expects to realise further growth of ten per cent in 2011, with a turnover of €1.1billion, and profits which will at least be equal to those made in 2010.

With the support of its shareholders, ample funding and excellent financial results, IHC Merwede will continue to focus on its priorities of growth, internationalisation and innovation. The company will also look to strengthen and broaden its technology portfolio.

This will not only benefit its position in existing markets, such as dredging and offshore, but also new markets, including renewable energy and mining. This growth will be achieved autonomously and through acquisitions.

President Goof Hamers is therefore extremely positive about the future: “The markets we work within are connected to global trends, such as the availability of energy and other commodities, and the development of infrastructure. IHC Merwede is on track to realise its targets.”

Company profile IHC Merwede

IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.

IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.

The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.

IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, China, Croatia, France, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, November 15, 2011; Image: IHC Merwede