LONDON, August 22, 2013 - Stolt-Nielsen Limited (Oslo Børs: SNI) announced today that a heads of agreement (HOA) has been entered into with Frontline 2012 Ltd. whereby Frontline 2012 will become a shareholder in Avance Gas Holding Ltd (AGHL) along with Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd. and Sungas Holdings Ltd. Following the expected transaction, the three owners will exercise equal control over AGHL. The transaction follows the previously announced withdrawal of Transpetrol Gas Holdings Ltd. from AGHL.
As part of the HOA, Frontline 2012 and AGHL will enter into discussions regarding the purchase by AGHL of eight 83,000 cbm VLGC newbuildings from Frontline 2012. The ships have been ordered by Frontline 2012 from the Jiangnan Changxing Shipyard in China, with deliveries expected to take place between mid 2014 and end 2015.
Commenting on the transaction, Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of
Stolt-Nielsen Limited, said, "The acquisition of shares in AGHL by Frontline 2012 is a further step in AGHL's consolidation strategy of the VLGC market. With three strong owners, it is the company's plan to continue to focus on second-hand tonnage, mergers and acquisitions. With rising US exports of LPG from shale gas resources and with continued growth in LPG exports from the Middle East and West Africa, the dynamics of this transportation market are improving in line with our expectations. It is the owners' plan to do an OTC listing in Oslo followed by an IPO."
The Chairman of Frontline 2012, John Fredriksen, said in a comment, "We are pleased to be able to enter into a deal with Stolt-Nielsen and Sungas. We will get immediate market exposure to what today is a healthy freight market. With its existing six modern VLGCs, a solid operation, and strong owners, Avance Gas is well positioned to grow and act as a major consolidator in the large LPG market."
It is Frontline 2012's intention to dividend out approximately 20% of the shares it receives in AGHL directly to its shareholders in order to secure an immediate OTC listing of AGHL.
Contacts:
Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen
Chief Financial Officer
UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8972
j.engelhardtsen@stolt.com
Jens F. Grüner-Hegge
VP Corporate Finance
UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8985
j.gruner-hegge@stolt.com
About Stolt-Nielsen Limited
Stolt-Nielsen Limited (SNL or the "Company") is a leading global provider of integrated transportation solutions for bulk liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids, and other specialty liquids through its three largest business divisions, Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers. Stolt Sea Farm produces and markets high quality turbot, sole, sturgeon, and caviar. Stolt-Nielsen Gas, through its investment in Avance Gas Holding Ltd., transports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with a fleet of very large gas carriers (VLGCs). Stolt-Nielsen Limited is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "seek," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company does not represent or warrant that the Company's actual future results, performance or achievements will be as discussed in the those statements, and assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any of those forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)