Supreme Group Completes Acquisition of EMS Seven Seas

DUBAI, UAE, June 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Supreme to offer integrated end to end ship supply solutions to complement existing supply chain portfolio  

EMS Seven Seas set to become global leader in commercial ship supply by 2017 under new ownership 

Supreme Group (Supreme), a global leader in the provision of end to end supply chain solutions in challenging environments around the world, has today (June 20, 2014,) announced completion of the purchase of EMS Seven Seas ASA ("EMS").

Following announcements to the Oslo Stock Exchange today, Supreme now owns 90.04% of the total outstanding shares in EMS.  Supreme will make a mandatory offer to the remaining shareholders in the company in due course.  

"We are excited to announce completion of the acquisition of EMS Seven Seas, which is a great company with strong brand loyalty," said Theo Reichert, CEO, Supreme Group.

"By integrating ship supply services to our existing portfolio of supply chain solutions, we are well positioned to serve the evolving needs of both military and commercial clients. We are prepared to make investments to ensure EMS Seven Seas becomes the global leader in commercial ship supply within three years, and we look forward to working closely with their teams around the world to make this happen, merging our organizations to leverage operational synergies to their fullest potential," Reichert added.

Toril Eidesvik, CEO of EMS Seven Seas ASA said "This is a strong strategic match that is designed to create value for clients by leveraging synergies in supply chain capabilities and geographic reach."

Supreme Group has been proud to serve defense and government clients around the world since the company was founded in 1957, by a US soldier who established a food supply company to serve the US military stationed in Germany, following his retirement from active duty. Over 50 years later the company remains a private, family owned entity which has built a unique reputation for outstanding service in challenging environments. Following provision of extensive support to NATO and ISAF in the Balkans, Africa and Afghanistan, the company has recently restructured to ensure a solid platform for future growth and diversification. Alongside its Defense and Government Division ("DGS"), a Commercial Division which will focus on new business opportunities in Africa was formed earlier this year, with a significant acquisition program underway to fast track growth across the region.  

Reichert commented: "It is our intention to align capability held within EMS with the new structures recently implemented across Supreme. Hence Defense and Government services in EMS will be fully integrated with the DGS Division in Supreme whilst the Commercial Shipping Services currently held within EMS will be established as a stand-alone Division within Supreme, operating alongside our DGS and African Commercial Divisions.  By structuring our business around the clients that we serve, Supreme Group can ensure that we continue to develop new services and capabilities which anticipate and deliver to market demands."  

He concluded "Clearly these changes will take time to implement, and we will work closely with colleagues across both companies to ensure we leverage the vast experience and expertise of all in order to achieve maximum benefit to the business of this merging of two market leaders in the global supply chain industry."

About Supreme Group: 

Founded in 1957, Supreme Group is a global leader in the provision of end-to-end supply chain solutions to defense, government, and commercial sector clients around the world. For more than fifty years, the company has provided critical, life-sustaining services that empower clients to accomplish missions in challenging and austere environments.

Supreme offers a unique breadth of capabilities, including procurement, transportation, storage and site services.  Supreme has a long history of supporting international organizations and governments. Its current clients include the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and leading military forces including the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Over the years, the company has also partnered with many commercial clients.

As a socially responsible organization, Supreme Group strives to maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity across its operations at all times. It is committed to respecting people and the environment; nurturing community development; implementing sustainable business practices; and giving back to the communities in which it operates.

More information on Supreme Group can be found by visiting http://www.supreme-group.net

About EMS: 

Headquartered in Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, EMS Seven Seas is a global maritime services group serving merchant marine, offshore and defense customers. The company supplies general ship supplies, provisions, stores, spare parts and leading technical maritime brands through its extensive network of some 600 ports.

Founded in 1971, EMS Seven Seas primarily operates in Norway, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Djibouti, and Singapore. Its clients include leading ship managers and owners, professional catering businesses, military operations and offshore platforms. EMS Seven Seas reported operating revenues of USD 402.0 million in 2013.

More information about EMS Seven Seas is available at: http://www.ems-asa.com