JBR and IMAP advise on Govername of Dancer by Blue Ocean

Dancer has been acquired by Blue Ocean Capital

Founded in 1982 in the Netherlands, Danser today operates throughout northwestern Europe. It offers multimodal logistics solutions such as barge, rail, truck, project and complementary services.

From the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, the container carrier transports cargo to various inland terminals including Stuttgart, Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Munich. In 2021, Danser transported more than 1.6 million TEUs of cargo.

By now becoming part of Blue Ocean Capital, an investment firm focused on transportation infrastructure and logistics real estate, Danser expects to strengthen its position as an independent operator in the market while accelerating its growth, said Danser CEO Ben Maelissa.

Maarten van der Valk, general manager of Danser, added: "This move allows us to continue, guarantee and further expand our services to clients and network partners."

Accelerating green transition

For Blue Ocean Capital, the acquisition is in line with its strategy to invest in "attractive companies in an attractive and growing market," said Jacob Ingemann Olsen, Managing Partner at the investment firm. "We have followed the company with great interest and are delighted to complete this transaction. We very much look forward to being part of Danser's next journey."

In addition to expanding Danser's fleet and service offerings, the investors will help the logistics company achieve its decarbonization ambitions.

"We will work diligently to introduce green transportation solutions that will benefit Danser's customers. We are in discussions with financial and technical partners who want to support and accelerate the green transition at Danser," said Tommy Moelgaard, Partner at Blue Ocean Capital.

Dealmakers

Danser was advised in the deal by M&A experts from IMAP. Erik Biesheuvel, Danser's CFO, is very pleased with the support from the M&A experts.

"Looking back on the intensive cooperation over the past period, we can definitely conclude that we are happy with our choice. The IMAP team supported us both professionally and personally and guided us through the entire process. We are grateful for the good and pleasant cooperation."

Blue Ocean Capital was advised on the deal by JBR, which provided financial advisory and transaction support services. The consultancy's deal team was led by associate partner Onno Sloterdijk and further included principal Rocher Hulstand consultant Gustian van der Linde.

Remarkably, JBR and Blue Ocean Capital previously sat opposite each other at the negotiating table. Last January, JBR acted as dealmaker in the sale of Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals to Blue Ocean Capital and its American partner Crestline Investors.

Other firms that accompanied the deal between Danser and Blue Ocean Capital were Mazars (financial due diligence and tax advice), Addleshaw Goddard (legal advice) and Lexence (legal advice).

Source: Consultancy.co.uk