On 22 April, 2025, Golden Ocean Group Limited (“Golden Ocean”) and CMB. TECH NV (“CMB. TECH”) announced that they have signed a term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) for a contemplated stock-for-stock merger, with CMB. TECH as the surviving entity, based on an exchange ratio of 0.95 shares of CBM. TECH for each share of Golden Ocean (the “Exchange Ratio“), subject to customary adjustments.
The Term Sheet has been unanimously approved by Golden Ocean’s Board of Directors, including its special transaction committee composed of disinterested directors (the “Transaction Committee“), and by CMB. TECH’s Supervisory Board. As part of this, the Transaction Committee has received a fairness opinion from its financial advisor DNB Markets, part of DNB Bank ASA, concluding that the Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to Golden Ocean’s shareholders.
The transaction would be structured as a merger with Golden Ocean merging with and into CMB. TECH Bermuda Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMB. TECH (the “Merger”). Existing shares of Golden Ocean, which are not (directly or indirectly) owned by CMB. TECH, will be cancelled and ultimately exchanged for newly issued CMB. TECH shares at an exchange ratio of 0.95 shares of CBM. TECH for each share of Golden Ocean, subject to customary adjustments, including to reflect share buybacks, share issuances and/or dividend distributions that may take place prior to completion of the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, 95,952,934 new shares of CMB. TECH would be issued, whereby CMB. TECH shareholders would own approximately 70% of the total issued share capital of the combined company (or 67% excluding treasury shares) and Golden Ocean shareholders would own approximately 30% (or 33% excluding treasury shares), assuming the Exchange Ratio is not adjusted.
The Merger will create one of the largest diversified listed maritime groups in the world with a combined fleet of more than 250 vessels.
The consummation of the Merger remains subject to customary conditions, including confirmatory due diligence, negotiation and execution of definitive transaction agreements, applicable board approvals, regulatory approvals, third-party consents, Golden Ocean shareholder approval, and effectiveness of a registration statement on Form F-4 to be filed by CMB. TECH with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Upon completion of the Merger, Golden Ocean would delist from NASDAQ and Euronext Oslo Børs. CMB. TECH would remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Brussels and will pursue a secondary listing on the Euronext Oslo Børs following and subject to completion of the Merger.
The parties aim to enter into definitive transaction agreements, including an agreement and plan of merger, during the second quarter of 2025 and to complete the Merger in the third quarter of 2025. Shareholders should be informed that definitive transaction agreements may not be entered into on the indicated terms mentioned herein, or at all.
Peder Simonsen, CEO of Golden Ocean, commented: “The proposed merger with CMB. TECH gives Golden Ocean a great opportunity to be part of a large diversified maritime group. Our fleet and CMB. TECH’s dry bulk vessels are very complementary and would create one of the largest and most modern dry bulk fleets in the world, including 87 modern Capesize and Newcastlemax vessels, with a favorable long-term outlook. If completed, the merged company will be one of the largest listed maritime groups both in terms of market capitalisation, net asset value and expected share liquidity. This transaction will allow us to offer an even broader service to our customers, a wide range of possibilities to our employees and last but not least the creation of long-term added value to our shareholders.”
Carl Steen, Chairman of the Transaction Committee of Golden Ocean, commented: “The disinterested directors of Golden Ocean have analysed the values of both companies in a possible stock-for-stock merger. We have concluded unanimously that the proposed exchange ratio based on a net asset value of CMB. TECH of 15.23 USD per share and a value of 14.49 USD per Golden Ocean share is fair, and believe this proposed merger is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.”
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB. TECH, commented: “By merging CMB. TECH and Golden Ocean, we would take another great step forward in building our leading diversified maritime group. Our fleet would grow to more than 250 modern vessels spread over five shipping divisions. The value of our fleet would reach more than 11 billion USD and, combined with our public listings and enhanced liquidity in our shares, we will have all the necessary firepower to continue to invest in our fleet and seize opportunities. Our focus on decarbonisation is starting to generate meaningful long-term contracts, and the recent IMO decisions on limiting greenhouse gas emissions from shipping give us even more wind (and ammonia) in our sails. It’s full speed ahead to decarbonise today to navigate tomorrow!”