- Stena AB signed a deal to acquire Color Line.
- The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
- Completion is expected in late first quarter or second quarter of 2027.
- Color Line will continue as a separate independent business.
- Sailings and bookings are unaffected.
Stena AB owner of Stena Line has signed a deal to acquire Norway’s Colour Line. The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the proposed transaction which is subject to regulatory approval and expected to be completed towards the end of the first quarter or during the second quarter of 2027. The transaction will be structured as a share purchase agreement.
Under the agreement Stena AB’s wholly owned subsidiary Stena Rederi AB acquires all shares in Color Group AS from ONS Invest II AS which is wholly owned by Olav Nils Sunde and his family. ONS Invest II owns 100pc of Color Group which in turn owns 100pc of Color Line and its subsidiaries. Following completion Stena intends for Color Line to continue as a separate independent business and brand with local management in Norway and Norwegian-registered ships.
The signing of the agreement will not affect sailings, bookings or ongoing customer and supplier relationships within Color Line or Stena-owned Stena Line. Both companies will continue to operate as separate independent businesses while the transaction awaits approval. Color Line’s CEO noted the company will have a stronger foundation for further development as part of Stena.
Niclas Mårtensson shared “This is a true milestone in Stena Line’s history, further strengthening our ability to be a reliable link between places, people and communities. When we welcome Color Line to the Stena family, I am confident that together we will be able not only to develop our business opportunities but also to contribute to the positive development of communities, including through tourism and more sustainable shipping.”
Trond Kleivdal shared “Color Line is one of the most recognized and valued brands in our industry, and Stena wants to preserve these strengths while giving us a stronger foundation for the company’s further development and renewal as part of Stena.”
