International oil service group Aker Solutions has said it is strengthening its commitment to the Canadian oil and gas market.
The firm is taking full ownership of Newfoundland and Labrador-based AKCS Offshore Partner.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Tore Sjursen, head of maintenance, modifications and operations at Aker, said: “The buyout will support Aker Solutions’ growth plans in North America and be the foundation for further expansion in St John’s and Atlantic Canada. This is a firm commitment from Aker Solutions to continue to invest in this region to offer the best possible support to our customers.”
AKCS Offshore Partner was formed by Aker, SNC-Lavalin and G.J Cahill and Co in 2002 to pursue contracts for the Atlantic Canada oil and gas industry.
Aker employs more than 2,700 people in and around Aberdeen, having taken on over 350 people in the past year. It wants its workforce in the north-east to grow to 3,200 by 2015, which would make it one of the area’s biggest employers.