Bourbon enters a new phase of development with Davidson Kempner and Fortress becoming majority shareholders.
The offshore marine services provider Bourbon, with a fleet of 223 vessels, has completed its financial and capital restructuring with the entry into the capital of funds managed by affiliates of Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP and Fortress Investment Group who become the majority shareholders of the company, according to a statement released on Dec. 22.
The transaction, approved on July 17, 2025, by the Marseille Economic Affairs Court, marks the culmination of a comprehensive transformation plan launched one year ago and opens a new phase of development for Bourbon.
Additionally, the deal sees a fresh injection of capital into Bourbon, allowing the flexibility to invest in its fleet, including the reactivation of OSVs, life-extension programmes and renewal of its crewboat fleet, as demand grows in the offshore energy market.
The arrival of new shareholders is accompanied by simplified governance and a renewed management team to lead the group.
Gaël Bodénès was appointed chief executive officer following a general assembly meeting held on December 19. He will lead the next phase of the company’s transformation through mid-2026.
The shareholders also designated a board to support Bourbon’s development strategy. Bourbon’s board is chaired by Bruno Chabas, formerly chief executive officer of SBM Offshore.
