Seaways and Diamond S complete merger

Written by Nick Blenkey
Lois Zabrocky, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Seaways, Inc.

Lois Zabrocky, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Seaways, Inc.: “With enhanced scale, financial strength and commercial expertise, we have markedly strengthened our position to capitalize on favorable long-term industry fundamentals.”

New York City headquartered International Seaways Inc. (NYSE: INSW), already one of the world’s largest tanker operators, just got even larger. On Friday, it reported the completion of its previously announced merger with Diamond S Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSSI). The combined company will continue to operate as International Seaways and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol INSW. It says it expects to achieve cost synergies in excess of $23 million and revenue synergies of $9 million, fully realizable before the end 2022.

Following the completion of the merger, International Seaways is now the second largest U.S.-listed tanker company by vessel count with over 100 vessels and the third largest by deadweight (“dwt”), aggregating approximately 11.3 million dwt. Seaways says the merger enhances its capabilities in both the crude and product markets and creates “power alleys” for it in the large crude—VLCC and Suezmax—and LR1/Panamax and MR markets.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, pre-merger INSW shareholders own approximately 55.75% of the equity of the combined company and former DSSI stockholders own approximately 44.25%. On July 15, 2021, pre-merger International Seaways shareholders of record as of July 14, 2021, received a special dividend of $1.12 per share.

“We are pleased to complete this transformational and highly accretive transaction, solidifying our position as a diversified tanker sector bellwether,” said Lois Zabrocky, International Seaways’ president and CEO. “With enhanced scale, financial strength and commercial expertise, we have markedly strengthened our position to capitalize on favorable long-term industry fundamentals in both the crude and product markets.

“As we integrate the combined company, our focus will remain on further executing our balanced and accretive capital allocation strategy, while upholding our best-in-class ESG track record and continuing to deliver safe and efficient transportation of energy cargoes for our world-class customers. We welcome the newest members of our team and look forward to working together to create lasting value for all stakeholders.”

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