The deal sets the scene for a move to merge Kvaerner's oil and gas division with Aker Maritime, though numerous alternative scenarios remain open. Inside sources have said that Oslo-based shipping giant Bergesen, which for years had been Kvaerner's largest shareholder, approached Aker Maritime only a few days before the close of Kvaerner's Nkr2.5 billion ($290 million) rights issue on 12 July.
Smash and grab
NORWEGIAN offshore contractor Aker Maritime and its chairman and majority owner Kjell Inge Rokke saw a golden opportunity and acted with lightning speed this week, forking out Nkr3 billion ($346 million) to grab control of 26.39% of arch rival contractor Kvaerner.
14 July 2000 0:00 GMT
Updated
14 July 2000 0:00 GMT
