Charles Taylor bolsters marine capabilities in European market

Insurance services firm  Charles Taylor has acquired a maritime assurance and surveying company to further expand its presence in the European market.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands-headquartered V+B Group consists of three businesses: Verschoor & Bras BV, Marinco Survey BV and Marintec Expertise BV. The group provides end-to-end survey solutions to the European maritime market ranging from claims investigations to assessments and inspections, with a particular focus on the Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp area and the Northern Netherlands region.

The acquisition will enable  Charles Taylor to expand its Marine Technical Services’ surveying capabilities and bolster its on-the-ground presence in Europe. The three businesses will continue to trade under their existing names as part of  Charles Taylor Marine Technical Services.

Oliver Hutchings (pictured), managing director, marine at  Charles Taylor, said: “The acquisition of V+B Group brings more than a century’s worth of marine expertise and relationships into the  Charles Taylor family. Its management team, led by Roelof Boerma and Frits Vlugter, have driven V+B’s Group’s success to date and with our support, will be perfectly placed to continue on this trajectory. We look forward to welcoming them into our global team and building on their impressive momentum.”

Roelof Boerma, director and partner of V+B Group, added: “We have grown V+B Group to become a key player in the maritime survey space, building a reputation in the industry thanks to our comprehensive offering and best-in-class service. We still have substantial opportunities for growth moving forward and being part of  Charles Taylor will enable us to capitalize on these, with increased firepower thanks to its international network and broad line of expertise.”

Frits Vlugter, director and partner of V+B Group, said: “We have a history of growing through acquisitions, previously combining three firms to make V+B Group the company it is today, and now this acquisition marks a significant chapter in our journey as we ourselves become part of a truly global brand.  Charles Taylor Marine Technical Services is a renowned and rapidly growing name in the industry, and we’re excited to become a part of the team.”

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