Freeths' advises V.Group on strategic partnership with, and sale of English language testing business to, Ocean Technologies Group

Freeths has advised PE backed V.Group, the leading global provider of ship management and marine support services, on the sale of their Marlins business and strategic partnership with Ocean Technologies Group, the leading provider of maritime learning and operational technologies.

As part of the landmark cooperative agreement, the Marlins Maritime English assessment product and Marlins global 'Approved Test Centre' scheme, were transferred to Ocean Technologies Group. The Freeths team, led by London Corporate partner Francis Dalton, advised on all aspects of the international transaction including the terms of the strategic partnership and disposal. Karel Drastich of V.Group commented:

“We were delighted to work with the Freeths team on this transaction.  It was our first transaction working with Freeths and we were impressed with the clear and commercially-minded advice which we received.”

Francis was assisted by Naomi Spring (Managing Associate) and Henrietta Rendell (Senior Associate) in the London Corporate team. Commercial advice was provided by Frank Suttie (Director).Francis commented:

“We were very pleased to assist V.Group with this great transaction.  This was a fantastic opportunity for our corporate and commercial teams to work together to help a client fulfil its strategic objectives in a very short timeframe.”

The transaction was the latest in a string of sales completed by the Freeths Corporate team during the COVID-19 crisis.