MPC Oceanic Group acquires 41% stake in Marlow Navigation

MPC Oceanic Group AG has entered into an agreement to acquire a 41% stake in Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd., also known as Marlow. Existing shareholders of Marlow will maintain majority ownership and will also become a significant shareholder in MPC Oceanic Group. Marlow is a prominent provider of ship management services, specializing in crew management and seafarer training, with over 1,300 professionals operating in 13 countries and managing crew for more than 1,150 vessels worldwide.

In 2025, the company generated revenue of approximately USD 560 million. The acquisition price totals around USD 126 million, consisting of USD 97 million in cash and the issuance of new MPC Oceanic Group shares valued at USD 29 million. The existing Marlow shareholders will receive approximately 9% of MPC Oceanic Group post-capital increase through kind.

It is planned to propose at the next Annual General Meeting the appointment of a Marlow shareholder representative to MPC Oceanic Group's Supervisory Board. One-third of the cash portion will be funded by existing resources, while two-thirds will be obtained through debt financing. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in early 2027, contingent upon regulatory and antitrust approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The shareholder agreements include provisions related to governance, information, disposal rights, financing, reciprocal acquisition rights, and share transfer restrictions for MPC Oceanic Group as a minority shareholder.