#USA #New York #J.F. Lehman & Company #Global Marine Group #Keppel Infrastructure Fund

J.F. Lehman & Company Concludes Sale of Global Marine Group

On March 10, 2025, J.F. Lehman & Company (JFLCO), a prominent mid-market private equity firm focusing on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government, environmental, and infrastructure sectors, revealed the completion of its sale of Global Marine Group (GMG) to Keppel Infrastructure Fund (KIF). The specific terms of the transaction have not been made public, but this acquisition is expected to bolster the position of GMG within the dynamic subsea telecom industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Global Marine Group, with roots tracing back to 1850, has established itself as a key player in providing maintenance and installation services for subsea telecoms. The company's expertise lies in supporting the essential global communication infrastructure necessary for today's interconnected world. Based in the United Kingdom, GMG caters to a wide range of clients by offering reliable solutions that maintain the integrity of undersea networks across the globe.

Strategic Partnership and Growth

Since acquiring GMG in 2020, JFLCO worked diligently to refine the business's focus on its core telecom markets. Under JFLCO's stewardship, the company has significantly improved its operations and service offerings, fostering stronger ties with international customers. As a result, GMG has emerged as the leading independent provider of specialized maintenance and installation services for the subsea telecom sector.

Alex Harman, Chairman of GMG's Board of Directors and a Partner at JFLCO, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating that it transformed GMG into a focused enterprise dedicated to enhancing global telecom infrastructure. Harman added, "The collaboration has been crucial in establishing GMG as a pivotal player in a growing market."

Bruce Neilson-Watts, the Chief Executive Officer of GMG, remarked that the transaction highlights the company's robust market position and operational expertise. He emphasized that JFLCO's guidance in honing their strategy allowed GMG to concentrate on the telecom sector, which is currently thriving. Neilson-Watts is optimistic about building on the company's success alongside the new partners at KIF.

Future Prospects

Will Hanenberg, a member of GMG's Board and Managing Director at JFLCO, commended the efforts of Neilson-Watts and his team in establishing GMG as a leader in protecting the world’s critical subsea communications infrastructure. He highlighted that with the increasing demand for secure and resilient undersea networks, GMG is positioned to ensure the reliability of these crucial global connections. Hanenberg commented that KIF represents an ideal partner to support GMG as it embarks on its next growth phase.

Advisory and Legal Support

In this transaction, Evercore acted as the exclusive financial advisor to JFLCO, while Jones Day served as the lead legal counsel, complemented by the maritime expertise of Blank Rome. Their involvement underscores the complexity and importance of navigating the intricate landscape of private equity and infrastructure investment.

Conclusion

The sale of Global Marine Group by J.F. Lehman & Company marks a significant milestone in the subsea telecom sector. This strategic move not only reaffirms GMG’s position in the market but also sets the stage for future growth under the auspices of Keppel Infrastructure Fund. As the demand for robust telecommunications infrastructure continues to grow, stakeholders are optimistic that GMG will continue to thrive and innovate in this vital industry.