JNN is a subsidiary of the John Nurminen Group and annually handles up to 3,000 ship calls at all major Finnish commercial sea ports directly through its offices in Helsinki, Porvoo, Kotka, Turku, Naantali and Rauma.

Under the agreement, which was signed on 31 August, 2010 by Lars Säfverström, GAC Group President and Jan Lönnblad, Managing Director of John Nurminen Oy, the company is now rebranded as GAC-Nurminen Navis Oy.

According to Erland Ebbersten, GAC Group Vice President – Europe, Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Sea, and Africa, JNN’s standing in the local market and its strong client base of major international and domestic shipping and chartering principals made it an “ideal candidate” for acquisition.

“JNN is strongly represented in key sectors such as oil tankers, chemical carriers, dry bulk and cruise ships,” said Ebbersten. “These are all areas where GAC is strong globally, so this acquisition makes perfect sense to help us to continue to thrive in the long-term.”

Lönnblad reiterated that the acquisition made “good business sense” based on the Group’s global reach, financial strength and international reputation.

The addition of Finland to the GAC network will boost its growing presence in the Nordic region, which has grown steadily since the majority stake acquisition of Ole R Olsen in Norway in 2007.

Last year, the Group formed an alliance with Pole Position AS in Spitsbergen, while this year has seen the opening of new offices in Bergen and Sandnessjoen.

Edited by Darrel Moore

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