Baker Hughes joins forces with Akastor ASA to deliver offshore drilling solutions

Joint venture company will combine the Baker Hughes Subsea Drilling Systems (SDS) business and MHWirth to better serve customers while simultaneously driving productivity and cost synergies

Baker Hughes joins forces with Akastor ASA to deliver offshore drilling solutions

Baker Hughes and Akastor ASA have announced an agreement to create a joint venture company (Company) that will bring together Baker Hughes’ Subsea Drilling Systems (SDS) business with Akastor’s wholly owned subsidiary, MHWirth AS (MHWirth). The Company will deliver a global full-service offshore drilling equipment offering that will provide customers with a broad portfolio of products and services.

The transaction will result in a leading equipment provider with integrated delivery capabilities, financial strength, and flexibility to address a full range of customer priorities. The Company will be owned 50-50 by Baker Hughes and Akastor, and following the closing of the transaction, the Company’s operations will be managed from current offices in Houston, Texas, and Kristiansand, Norway. Merrill A. “Pete” Miller will serve as chairman and chief executive officer. 

The Company’s broader scope of services will also provide a more solid foundation for future growth, including the capability to participate in the oil and gas industry’s transition towards more energy-efficient solutions, as well as deploying technologies and service solutions to make the sector more competitive through increased drilling efficiency.

Kristian M. Røkke, chairman of Akastor, said:

“This transaction is a major step for MHWirth, and the transformation strategy announced in February 2019. The Company will offer customers a strengthened product offering and investors attractive value creation. This transaction will also allow Akastor to maximize, and ultimately realize, value to its shareholders.”

Neil Saunders, executive vice president of Oilfield Equipment at Baker Hughes, said:

“The oil and gas industry is rapidly evolving, and we are constantly looking at new and innovative ways of delivering value to our customers. This Company is the perfect fit between our respective portfolios and further transforms our core operations for long-term success, bringing complementary solutions to market and offering our customers a full offshore drilling equipment package.”

MHWirth is a global provider of advanced drilling solutions and services designed to offer customers a safer, more efficient and reliable alternative. MHWirth has a global span covering five continents with offices in 13 countries.

Baker Hughes’ SDS business is a division of the Oilfield Equipment segment of Baker Hughes and is headquartered in Houston. SDS provides integrated drilling products and services worldwide, with service and manufacturing facilities in 11 countries and a competitive portfolio, including world-class blowout preventor (BOP) systems, controls and riser equipment.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the second half of 2021. Morgan Stanley, Paul Weiss, Thommessen, and EY are acting as advisors for Baker Hughes. Goldman Sachs, BAHR, Sidley Austin, and EY are acting as advisors for Akastor.