The transaction was made through Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 7 (MEIF7). It is understood that the fund signed a share purchase agreement with the European private equity fund Permira Credit and other shareholders, and Macquarie Asset Management will hold 100% of Ziton's shares at that time. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed and is expected to close in December 2024 or the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Ziton's first lien bonds, senior secured ESG-linked loans and senior working capital loans listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange are expected to remain in the existing capital structure, with the second lien bonds to be purchased by Macquarie Asset Management, the sources said.

Thorsten Jalk, Chief Executive Officer of Ziton, said: "Macquarie Asset Management's decision to invest in Ziton is a testament to our ability to build a great company with a strong market position, strong relationships with our clients and some of the best talent in the industry. This is another important step in the development of 'ZITON 2.0', and we will continue to make steady progress in the future." ”

According to the financial report, Ziton's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the second quarter of this year reached 19.6 million euros (about 21.9 million US dollars), a year-on-year increase of 76.58%, mainly due to the company's ship leasing contract signed with Siemens Gamesa in the first half of the year.

Ziton began the sales process in August this year, hiring Nomura, a well-known Japanese investment bank, as a financial advisor to review strategic alternatives to maximizing shareholder value. "The idea is to explore a sale, merger or partnership, while continuing to develop other growth opportunities," the person in charge said.

According to the official website, Ziton has been involved in the offshore wind industry since 2007 and has a fleet of five wind turbine maintenance vessels. Macquarie Asset Management is the world's largest investor in infrastructure, including ports, electric vehicle charging stations, airports, mobile networks and more.

Since the beginning of this year, Macquarie Group has continued to expand its shipping footprint. In August, the group's holding company, Corio Generation Brazil Shipyard, and offshore construction company Estaleiros do Brasil (EBR) signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the possibility of EBR's infrastructure to support future wind projects on Brazil's southern coast, meaning the company's foray into Brazil's offshore wind market. At the same time, it also provides development funds to Lomar Shipping, the world's leading shipowner and ship management company.

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