Dutch dredger Boskalis launches $884-mn bid for maritime transport company Dockwise

Koninklijke Boskalis Westminster NV (Boskalis), the world's biggest dredging company, today launched a  €682 million ($884 million) bid for Dutch maritime transport company Dockwise.

Boskalis, one of the most aggressive acquirers, has offered to pay €17.20 a share, a 61-per cent premium to Dockwise closing price on 23 November.

A few hours after announcing its intention to acquire Dockwise, Boskalis said that it has acquired more than 10 per cent in the Oslo and on NYSE Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchanges-listed company.

Boskalis said that its offer has the backing of HAL Investments BV, which holds 31.7 per cent in Breda, the Netherlands-based Dockwise.

HAL Investments also owns about 32 per cent of Boskalis.

Dockwise is a leading marine contractor providing total transport services to the offshore, onshore and yachting industries as well as installation services of extremely heavy offshore platforms.