The Dutch Damen Group aims to strengthen its service activities in the UK by acquiring the I.M.E Group from Southampton.
The acquisition follows a “close collaboration” between the two companies since the opening of Damen Services’ UK service hub in 2021, it has now been announced. “This investment in the UK industry supports Damen’s strategic goal of providing full lifecycle support and expanding the range of services for customers across the UK in their day-to-day business,” the Dutch company writes.
I.M.E was founded in 2006 and specializes in repair and maintenance services in the maritime and energy sectors. A collaboration was later established with Damen’s service hub. This gave Damen access to I.M.E.’s facilities, including office space, workshop and equipment, enabling it to establish itself in the UK market. When planning to open its own service hub in the UK, Damen chose the “strategic” location of Southampton due to its proximity to shipping and the large number of workboats in the English Channel.
“The next step”
Edwin van der Poel, Director at Damen Services UK, said of the takeover: “We have worked well together, growing our relationship and aligning our values and standards. With the addition of I.M.E. to the Damen Services family, we are taking the next step in the development of our service offering.” I.M.E founder Paul Langford emphasized the good cooperation. Becoming part of the Damen Services family is “a big step for us and we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service, now with even greater reach and more resources behind us.”
