HEIDMAR INC. - NEWS RELEASE
Shipping Pool Investors to Purchase Stake in Heidmar Inc
Norwalk, Connecticut, April 16, 2008 --- Heidmar Inc. (“Heidmar”) announced
today that Shipping Pool Investors Inc (“SPII”) has entered into a definitive agreement to
purchase a 49% stake in the company. In a related transaction, senior members of
Heidmar’s management will purchase a 2% equity stake in the company. Morgan
Stanley, through its subsidiary Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. (“MSCGI”), will retain
a 49% ownership stake in the company. It is anticipated that, subject to the receipt of
necessary regulatory approvals, both purchase transactions will close within 30 days.
SPII is a company affiliated with the Cardiff Group (“Cardiff”) whose founder is
Mr. George Economou. Cardiff has extensive interests in the dry and wet freight
shipping industry. Ten of Cardiff’s vessels currently participate in two of the Heidmar
shipping pools.
“We are delighted with SPII’s investment in Heidmar and the resulting
combination of MSCGI’s commodities trading expertise with Mr. Economou’s experience
as a ship owner and manager,” said Tim Brennan, President and CEO of Heidmar. “This
will serve as a nucleus for the growth of our existing pools and the establishment of a
VLCC pool, which will benefit Heidmar’s employees, customers, and pool partners.”
“We have worked with Heidmar for eight years and have always admired their
professionalism and expertise in the commercial management of tankers. This
investment will further solidify our valuable relationship,” said George Economou. “We
look forward to combining our core shipping knowledge with MSCGI’s commodities
expertise.”
“MSCGI has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Heidmar and we remain
committed to growing the business,” said Olav Refvik, Global Head of Oil Liquids at
MSCGI. “We look forward to the opportunity to partner with Mr. Economou.”
Heidmar, through its offices in the United States, England, and Singapore
employs 96 people and commercially operates a fleet of over 90 tankers. Heidmar is the
general agent and commercial manager of five pools: Star Tankers Inc. (panamax/LR1
tankers between 55,000 and 75,000 DWT); Sigma Tankers Inc. (aframax/LR2 tankers
between 90,000 and 120,000 DWT); Dorado Tankers Pool Inc. (mid-range product
tankers between 37,000 and 55,000 DWT); Marida Tankers Inc. (short-range product
tankers between 10,000 and 18,000 DWT) and Blue Fin Tankers Inc. (suezmax tankers
between 140,000 and 180,000 DWT).
Heidmar Group
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