Finance

Saudi rig group ADES to buy Norway rival Shelf in $380 million deal

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 5, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: March 1, 2026

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OSLO (Reuters) -Saudi Arabian oil drilling group ADES International Holding has agreed to buy Oslo-listed rival Shelf Drilling for 3.9 billion Norwegian crowns ($379.33 million) in cash, the two

ADES International to Acquire Shelf Drilling for $380 Million

ADES International's Acquisition of Shelf Drilling

OSLO (Reuters) -Saudi Arabian oil drilling group ADES International Holding has agreed to buy Oslo-listed rival Shelf Drilling for 3.9 billion Norwegian crowns ($379.33 million) in cash, the two companies said on Tuesday.

Details of the Transaction

The offer of 14 crowns per share, a 62% premium over Tuesday's closing price in Oslo, was recommended by Shelf's board, the companies said in a joint statement.

Market Implications

The combined group will have 83 offshore jack-up drilling rigs serving the international oil and gas industry, they added.

Future Outlook

"With this landmark transaction, we reinforce our position as a market leader in shallow-water offshore drilling," ADES CEO Mohamed Farouk said in the statement.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to approval by an extraordinary general meeting of Shelf Drilling's shareholders and other conditions, the companies said.

($1 = 10.2814 Norwegian crowns)

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Essi Lehto)

Key Takeaways

  • ADES International to buy Shelf Drilling for $380 million.
  • The deal offers a 62% premium over Shelf's closing price.
  • The combined group will operate 83 offshore rigs.
  • The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025.
  • Subject to approval by Shelf Drilling's shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the acquisition deal between ADES and Shelf Drilling?
The acquisition deal is valued at 3.9 billion Norwegian crowns, which is approximately $379.33 million.
What premium does the offer represent over Shelf's closing price?
The offer of 14 crowns per share represents a 62% premium over Tuesday's closing price in Oslo.
When is the transaction expected to close?
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending approval from Shelf Drilling's shareholders.
How many offshore drilling rigs will the combined group have?
The combined group will have a total of 83 offshore jack-up drilling rigs serving the international oil and gas industry.
Who is the CEO of ADES International?
The CEO of ADES International is Mohamed Farouk, who stated that the transaction reinforces their position as a market leader in shallow-water offshore drilling.

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