Renaissance Services SAOG ('Renaissance') announced it has entered into a binding agreement with Babcock International Group PLC ("Babcock") to divest its wholly owned subsidiary, National Training Institute LLC ("NTI").

Babcock is a member of the UK's FTSE 100 and is the largest private sector provider of vocational training in UK. Babcock is also the leading and largest work-based training provider of government-funded and commercial learning programmes in UK.  

Renaissance CEO, Stephen Thomas, said "This divestment is part of our strategy to focus on our two core businesses: the Topaz Offshore Support Vessel Fleet and the Renaissance Contract Services and Facilities Management Group." He added that "We believe the combination of NTI's Oman market leadership and Babcock's UK and international expertise is creating a world class training powerhouse that is good for Oman and the region. This is a landmark event that will increase the capacity and capability of Oman-based resources committed to developing a skilled, competitive and productive Omani workforce."

Austin Lewis, Managing Director of Babcock's Skills and Learning Business Unit commented:
"The acquisition of NTI is part of Babcock's commitment to invest in Oman, to support the diversification of the Omani economy and to contribute to Omanisation.  NTI enables Babcock to support both the public and private sectors in increasing their effectiveness and sustainability through the training and up-skilling of their people.  Babcock is already engaged in developing the skills of young Omanis, in support of the Omanisation programme, and our acquisition of NTI enables Babcock to boost this initiative.  NTI also provides Babcock with a very credible platform in Oman from which to develop further our international skills and learning strategy in the Middle East region. Combining the strength, experience, capabilities and reputation of Babcock and NTI will enable us to create significant opportunities for both current and new customers within the market.

The divestment is effective from 31st December, 2013.

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