30 June 2009 - Earlier this year, Wirth became a fully controlled subsidiary of Aker Solutions, a Norwegian owned company. Today, Wirth Maschinen- und Bohrgeräte-Fabrik GmbH changes its name to Aker Wirth GmbH, reflecting the change of ownership and the successful integration into Aker Solutions that has taken place since the acquisition.

"Our acquisition of Wirth complements and expands our customer offering. Aker Solutions is now one of only two suppliers in the world of complete drilling packages. In addition, the acquisition of Wirth's mining and construction expertise strengthens our presence in the process and construction markets," says Per Harld Kongelf, executive vice president of Aker Solutions. "Furthermore, we are happy, that Christoph Kleuters has accepted to continue in his position as Chief Executive Officer."

 

For more than two decades Wirth has been successfully collaborating with Aker Solutions on drilling packages. By formalising this connection through acquisition, the goal is to strengthen the existing collaboration and expand it to all of Aker Solutions drilling activities globally. The collaboration will also be extended to Wirth's mining and construction division to the benefit of Aker Solutions' process and construction activities. 

"We share a passion for technology and have been collaborating for over two decades on successful drilling projects," says Christoph Kleuters, CEO of Aker Wirth. "Our transition to Aker Wirth reinforces our commitment to our customers and employees and strengthens our position in the global market."

 

"The Wirth name is a valuable asset and will live on in the legal entity name and product names of the company," says Per Harald Kongelf.

As of today, building signage, machine labelling, corporate brochures and marketing materials now all reflect the name change and new look and feel of Aker Wirth.

 

Aker Wirth is one of the leading equipment suppliers, serving the energy sector for oil and gas drilling products as well as mining and civil construction products for the industry.

For more than 110 years, Aker Wirth has been supporting the establishment of a modern and efficient development of natural resources and infrastructure, promoting growth and improving the standard of living around the world.

As part of the change Wirth's subsidiaries' names will also reflect the change in ownership as follows:

Wirth SCS Singapore Pty   into   Aker Wirth SCS Singapore Pty.

Wirth Mgt. Inc.   into   Aker Wirth Mgt. Inc.

Wirth International LLP   into   Aker Wirth International LLP

Wirth Australia Pty   into   Aker Wirth Australia Pty

Aker Wirth is a fully controlled subsidiary of Aker Solutions AS, a global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions.

 

Media:

Karen Romer, VP Communications, Aker Solutions, Tel: +47 67 32 60, Mob: +47 950 74 950

Astrid Goldberg, Communications Manager, Aker Wirth Tel: +49 2431 83-459

Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, SVP Investor Relations, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39, Mob: +47 911 37 194

Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akersolutions.com/careers

Aker Solutions ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Solutions"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. Aker Solutions' business serves several industries, including oil & gas, refining & chemicals, mining & metals and power generation. The Aker Solutions group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. 

Aker Solutions' parent company is Aker Solutions ASA.  Aker Solutions has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 23 000 people in about 30 countries.

Aker Solutions is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine resource industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and a long tradition of industrial innovation. As an industrial owner controlling 40.27 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions through Aker Holding AS, Aker ASA takes an active role in the development of Aker Solutions.  

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com.