Siemens will become shareholder (49 percent) in A2SEA A/S, a supplier of installation services for the construction of offshore wind farms. The Danish energy company, DONG Energy, will continue to be the main shareholder of the company. A2SEA in Fredericia, Denmark, employs about 200 people. Siemens´ goal of the engagement in A2SEA is to advance the industrialization of offshore wind power. A2SEA will now look into the possibility of expanding its installation capacity.

Siemens is a global leader in the rapidly growing offshore wind segment. “With our investment in A2SEA, we are showing our clear commitment to strengthening the future of the offshore wind industry,” said Wolfgang Dehen, CEO of the Siemens Energy Sector. “It is our aim to foster the industrialization of offshore wind power. Together with Siemens, A2SEA can build optimized vessels for the installation of offshore wind turbines. Optimization of ships as well as processes will result in higher efficiency, shorter installation times and enhanced customer value,” Dehen added.

Niels Bergh-Hansen, Executive Vice President at DONG Energy and Chairman of the Board at A2SEA, said: "I am very delighted that Siemens is to become an equity partner in A2SEA. Siemens' participation in A2SEA will strengthen the company and the realization of the strategy to offer superior offshore installation services to the company's customers."

The investment agreement is subject to the approval from anti-trust authorities. Closing of the agreement is expected in Q4 2010. The subscription amount to be paid by Siemens for the new shares in A2SEA is approximately DKK 860 mill. (EUR 115 mill.), which will be paid in two instalments in 2010 and 2011.

Tags: DONG Energy, Siemens Energy