AMSC ASA – Intention to distribute Solstad Maritime Holding shares and distribute excess cash followed by a liquidation of AMSC
Fornebu, 22 January 2025: Reference is made to the stock exchange notice today from Solstad Offshore ASA announcing that Solstad Maritime Holding AS (SMH or the Company) intends to apply for a listing of its shares on Euronext Oslo Børs during Q2 2025. A listing is in line with the Company’s previously expressed intention to list within 12 months after completion of its NOK 750 million equity raise in June 2024, and supported by the Company’s three main shareholders, Aker Capital, Solstad Offshore and AMSC.
A listing of SMH is expected to facilitate further growth and development of the Company’s business, improve the Company’s ability to pursue strategic opportunities and provide a liquid market for the Company’s shares.
In connection with the intended listing of SMH, the Board of Directors of AMSC ASA (“AMSC”) intends to propose to distribute its shares in SMH to its shareholders. AMSC owns 91,422,601 shares in SMH, equalling approximately 19.6% of the shares in the Company.
AMSC believes a distribution of its SMH shares allows for a more efficient ownership structure giving AMSC shareholders direct ownership in SMH.
Distribution of the SMH shares will be subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting in AMSC which will be called for in due course, and to the completion of the intended listing of SMH on Euronext Oslo Børs.
In connection with the reporting of AMSC’s Q4 financial result on February 12th, AMSC is considering distributing part of its excess cash as a special dividend.
As a consequence of the above, it will be a natural next step for AMSC to work towards a full liquidation of the company subsequent to the distribution of the SMH shares.
“Following transformational transactions over the past two years, distributing SMH shares and liquidating the company will be the next milestones for AMSC in achieving its long-term goal of maximizing shareholder value. During the last 11 years, AMSC will have distributed more than NOK 65 per share in cash in addition to the SMH shares. We are truly grateful for the sustained support from our shareholders over many years and believe a direct exposure through the SMH share will be an excellent opportunity to create value going forward,” said Pål Lothe Magnussen, CEO of AMSC.
Company contacts:
Pål Lothe Magnussen CEO, at +47 90 54 59 59
Morten Bakke CFO, at +47 900 955 94
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation article 7 and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to MAR article 17 and Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This announcement was published by Morten Bakke CFO AMSC ASA, at 07:05 on 22 January 2025.
Forward-looking statements: This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect the company's current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of material factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.