Prosafe-Floatel merger raises competition concerns in UK

The proposed merger between offshore accommodation firms Prosafe and Floatel has suffered a setback in the UK, as the UK competition authority has found the merger would raise competition concerns in the supply of offshore accommodation.

As previously reported, the proposed merger, if realized, would create the world’s largest offshore accommodation company, with Prosafe currently owning and operating a total of nine offshore accommodation units, and has options for delivery of two newbuilds, while Floatel’s fleet counts five units.

In a statement on Thursday, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said:”After completing its initial Phase 1 investigation, the CMA is concerned that the deal could reduce competition in the supply of ASVs for oil and gas projects on the UK continental shelf.”

Both companies supply offshore accommodation units to oil and gas companies.

“The CMA’s investigation has found that Prosafe and Floatel are the 2 largest suppliers in the market, owning the vast majority of semi-submersible offshore accommodation in North West Europe. They compete closely with each other and have consistently won the most contracts over time. Aside from the merging businesses, there are limited alternatives available to customers at present,” the CMA said.

“The CMA is therefore concerned that because of the deal, Prosafe and Floatel’s customers would face higher prices or lower quality offers when tendering for ASVs due to insufficient competition,” the competition authority said-

“If the merging businesses are unable to address the CMA’s concerns, the deal will be referred for an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, to be carried out by a group of independent CMA panel members,” the regulator added.

In a separate statement, Prosafe said:”Prosafe and Floatel are currently considering an acceptable remedy for phase one or whether to enter phase two.”

The companies are also awaiting a response from the Norwegian authorities, where the competition process is in its second and final phase.
Prosafe has previously said the conclusion in Norway is expected by the end of September.

Offshore Energy Today Staff

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