Investment fund buys half share in marine services provider AQS
We have great faith in the vessel sector within aquaculture, says Marguerite manager
Pan-European infrastructure fund Marguerite is to invest in Norwegian fish farming marine services provider AQS.
Marguerite will acquire a 50% stake in AQS through its latest fund, Marguerite III. This will be done through a capital increase by issuing new shares in AQS.
The strategic partnership will support AQS’ long-term strategy and accelerate further growth with fleet and organisational expansion. Fanøyskjæret AS, the family company of Sandra, Edvard and Ove Løfsnæs, will retain a 50% ownership stake.
Expansion and electrification
Flatanger-headquartered AQS has a fleet of 16 specialised vessels and more than 160 employees on both land and sea.
Marguerite’s investment will enable AQS to significantly expand and further develop its fleet with state-of-the-art vessels. The company is focusing on all-electric and hybrid vessels, and the investment is therefore in line with Marguerite’s strategy to finance the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the Løfsnæs family to bring AQS into this new growth chapter,” said Michael Dedieu, managing partner at Marguerite.
“We have great faith in the service vessel sector within aquaculture and the tailwind in the underlying market, and we look forward to supporting AQS in further consolidating its position as a leading Norwegian operator.”
AQS board chair Ove Løfsnæs said: “The partnership with Marguerite gives us the necessary resources to realise our ambitious growth plans and strengthen our position as a leading player in the industry.”
Change at the top
In connection with the share issue, AQS will recruit a new chief executive, while CEO Pål Anders Lauvsnes will take on the role of chief operating officer (COO).
“The news about the strengthened ownership in AQS has been well received in our organisation,” said Lauvsnes.
“The partnership with Marguerite provides a solid foundation to continue delivering high-quality services, anchored in a strong and safe working environment. With the new capital and support from Marguerite, we are well positioned to meet future challenges and seize new opportunities.”
The transaction is Marguerite's second investment in the maritime sector following the acquisition of Jifmar, a European operator of workboats, and reinforces Marguerite’s commitment to supporting sustainable maritime infrastructure.
The transaction is expected to be completed in April 2025, subject to the satisfaction of the necessary closing conditions.
