NHST Media Group / Nautisk Forlag acquires McCurnin Nautical, New Orleans

Oslo, 16 Dec 2011

Nautisk Forlag has acquired 100% of the stocks in McCurnin Nautical in New Orleans. The purchase will be made fiscal acting as of 01.01.12, and is expected to increase Nautisk Forlags yearly turnover by MNOK 20. The purchase has been made in order to strengthen Nautisk Forlags global distribution of charts as well as enhance their digital capabilities.

Nautisk Forlag is one of the world’s leading distributors of nautical charts. Since 2000 the yearly turnover has increased from MNOK 20 to over MNOK 100. Historically Nautisk mainly supplied Norwegian shipping customers, but in recent years Nautisk Forlag have increased their international foothold, and have gained several international clients. A large part of which has come from Singapore – where Nautisk opened an office in 2006. Nautisk Forlag has 30 employees, a new and modern logistics platform in order to efficiently distribute nautical charts and one of the world’s best platforms for digital distribution and administration of electronic charts and corrections. (Neptune – see www.nautisk.com)

McCurnin Nautical was established in April 1982, and have developed a leading position towards shipping out of their base in New Orleans. Since 2008, McCurnin Nautical have cooperated with Nautisk Forlag with digital distribution through the Neptune software.

Nautisk Forlags CEO Thomas Fjeld states: “We are very pleased with this acquisition. Our global distribution network has been too inefficient in the USA/Americas. Now we gain a new hub which is centrally placed for distribution all over the American continent and sub-continent, in addition to acquiring a profitable company with satisfied customers. We will immediately start the implementation of Nautisk’s logistical system, as well as seek a wider customer base.”

General Manager of Nautisk Forlag in New Orleans will be Patrick Thompson, who has worked for McCurnin as Office Manager for several years. He started his career in Maryland Nautical in Baltimore before he was brought into McCurnin.

“No one in our industry has set the precedent of having fully accredited International Admiralty Chart Agents (IACAs) in Asia, The Americas and Europe, until now! In a changing digital environment Nautisk Forlag is not just unflinching; they are boldly investing in the future and putting the bow to the wind. Truly, it’s an honor for our collective coworkers and a wonderful enhancement in the ability to service our client base.” says Mr. Thompson.

Nautisk Forlag is 100% owned by NHST Media Group. NHST has since 1990 – based out of Oslo – developed several global activities. TradeWinds (1990) is the world’s leading shipping publication. Upstream (1996) is the world’s leading oil and gas publication. Intrafish (2001) is the world’s leading seafood publication. Recharge (2009) within renewable energy is still developing. MyNewsdesk which now has a leading position within social media for the corporate market in Scandinavia is establishing its presence in London and has great ambitions for growth. Nautisk Forlag, whose predecessors were established as a part of NHST in 1896, have had a significant global growth after 2005 – and will with this purchase be able to provide 24 hour – five days a week – service – which is expected to give Nautisk a competitive edge. NHST’s Group CEO Gunnar Bjørkavåg states: “This is an important step for Nautisk Forlags global distribution. Nautisk will with this be able to distribute charts to USA/Americas faster and more cost effective, as well as enhance their digital sales capacity.

For NHST this represents a further strengthening of our operations in the United States. We now have offices in Houston TX, Stamford CT, Seattle WA and now in New Orleans LA.”

For questions, please contact:

Thomas Fjeld, Nautisk Forlag CEO: +47 911 11 911

Gunnar Bjørkavåg, NHST Group CEO: +47 900 31 029