Paratus Energy Services Ltd Completes Secondary Share Sale in Archer Limited
On September 24, 2025, Paratus Energy Services Ltd, a prominent investment holding company, successfully completed the secondary sale of its shares in Archer Limited, a leading oilfield services company. This transaction marks a pivotal moment for Paratus as it seeks to streamline its portfolio and simplify its corporate structure.
The Transaction Overview
In the secondary sale, Paratus sold an impressive 21,583,826 existing common shares of Archer at a price of NOK 22.50 per share. This significant deal resulted in gross proceeds of approximately USD 49 million. Furthermore, it comes alongside Archer’s successful private placement of new common shares, which was announced on the same day. The completion of the transaction means that Paratus will no longer hold any shares in Archer Limited following the delivery of common shares to the new applicants.
This strategic move is part of Paratus’ ongoing efforts to enhance both its financial flexibility and strategic positioning. According to Robert Jensen, CEO of Paratus, the transaction represents a timely opportunity to monetize a non-core investment, allowing the company to focus on its key assets and future growth initiatives.
Ongoing Support for Archer Limited
Since its inception in 2022, Paratus has been an active and supportive shareholder of Archer, participating in multiple capital raises and assisting in the conversion of a shareholder loan. This support has been pivotal in strengthening Archer’s balance sheet and ensuring its preparedness for growth in the competitive oilfield services sector.
Following the transaction, the two largest shareholders of Archer, Hemen Holding Limited and Lodbrok Capital LLP, transitioned their indirect holdings to direct ownership. This transition ensures the continuity of support and management for Archer as it navigates its future endeavors as an oilfield services provider.
Implications for the Future
The net proceeds from this secondary sale, exceeding USD 30 million, are designated for the mandatory partial redemption of Paratus’ outstanding debt, aligning with the company's commitments for outstanding notes due in 2026 and bonds due in 2029. This step is crucial as it allows Paratus to bolster its financial standing and prepare for subsequent strategic objectives.
Advisory and Legal Support
In connection with the secondary sale, several reputable firms have acted as joint bookrunners, including Arctic Securities AS, DNB Carnegie, Pareto Securities AS, and SB1 Markets AS. Additionally, Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS provided legal advice to Paratus, ensuring compliance and smooth processing of the transaction.
A Message from Leadership
Robert Jensen, in his statement regarding the transaction, emphasized the importance of this sale in aligning with Paratus' goal of optimizing its asset portfolio. He expressed confidence in Archer’s capability to lead the oilfield services industry and wished the company success in its future endeavors.
This recent development in the corporate journey of Paratus Energy Services demonstrates a commitment to strategic investment management and ongoing support for key partnerships within the energy sector. The secondary sale of shares in Archer Limited not only reflects a sound financial strategy but also sets the stage for Paratus to explore new opportunities for long-term growth.
For further insights and updates, stakeholders can refer to the stock exchange announcement published by Archer Limited under the ticker 'ARCH' on the Norwegian stock exchange’s news web—link
here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paratus Energy Services Ltd’s completed secondary sale of shares in Archer Limited symbolizes a significant financial maneuver that enhances its operational strategies. With the successful generation of substantial funds, Paratus is poised to focus on maximizing growth potential while supporting its partners in the oilfield service space.