Aker to take BioMarine private at US$12.7 per share in merger and cash offer
What's the deal? AkerDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → ASA on July 16, 2026 announced a proposed merger to take full control of Aker BioMarine, valuing the company at US$12.7 per share. Aker's subsidiary Aker Capital simultaneously launched an optional cash offer at the same price for all outstanding shares. Aker already owns 77.67% of Aker BioMarine.
How it works: The deal is structured as a statutory merger, with Aker BioMarine as the transferring company and Aker Capital NewCo AS — an indirect Aker subsidiary — as the acquiring company. Merger consideration combines Aker shares and cash. Shareholders wanting a full exit can instead accept the US$12.7 cash offer.
Why now? On February 12, 2026, Aker BioMarine appointed advisers to explore strategic alternatives for its Human Health Ingredients business, including a potential sale. Early talks with strategic and financial parties confirmed the unit's growth and margins but yielded proposals leaning on "deferred and uncertain earn-out arrangements."
Why the pivot? The company concluded that a continued sale process later in 2026 was unlikely to produce a better offer. Aker and Aker BioMarine then turned to discussions about the company's future ownership.
What's the endgame? Once complete, Aker BioMarine will be wholly owned by Aker and continue developing as a private company. Private ownership is expected to give greater flexibility to pursue long-term operational and strategic initiatives, backed by Aker's long-term perspective.
The board has unanimously recommended shareholders approve the merger, and that those seeking a full exit accept the cash offer. It received a fairness opinion concluding the consideration is fair from a financial point of view.
By the numbers: When Aker BioMarine announced a strategic review of its Feed Ingredients business in February 2024, the share price was US$5.2. Combined with the US$5.44 per share dividend paid in September 2024, the US$12.7 valuation brings total value to US$18.1 per share.
Ola Snøve, chair of the board, and Matts Johansen, chief executive officer, have both said they intend to accept the cash offer for all their shares.
Read more: mfn.se
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
