October 2010 - Aker Solutions in South Africa and the South African investment company Matasis Investment Holdings have formed a new incorporated company: Aker Solutions Matasis, based in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Aker Solutions holds 74% and Matasis 26% ownership in the new company, which will target the energy and metals markets offering project management, design, engineering and construction management services for major projects.??

Johan Cnossen, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa region with Aker Solutions' Process and Construction business area said, "Aker Solutions has extensive engineering and construction capability in power generation and minerals and metals facilities, and significant world wide resources to draw upon. Similarly to other countries, it is important that we develop the local skills content and knowledge in the markets we serve in South Africa if we are to further support our long-term growth aspirations and meet local economic requirements."??

Matasis Investment Holdings provides meaningful participation in the South African economy through strategic investment opportunities with successful investee companies and has a demonstrable track record in facilitating the involvement of historically marginalized communities and people in the economic prospects and growth in South Africa.??

Dr Manne Emsley Dipico, Executive Chairman, Matasis Investment Holdings said, "This joint initiative, whilst firmly rooted in sound commercial considerations, provides Matasis with an excellent opportunity to partner with the stature of a leading global player like Aker Solutions. Aker Solutions has approached its involvement in South Africa with a genuine embrace of the country's transformation agenda by ensuring that an intense program of skills transfer and development is undertaken. We remain mindful of the challenges but are extremely excited at the prospects of this partnership."??

The contract party for Aker Solutions is Aker Solutions E&C International Ltd.??

Aker Solutions opened an office in Johannesburg, South Africa in the final quarter of 2008. Recognizing the potential growth in all sectors in Southern Africa, Aker Solutions began to look at the Nuclear, Mining, Power, Oil and Gas, Petrochemical and Water markets and held meetings with the major companies in each field.??

Collaborations with local companies have been carefully considered to improve Aker Solutions' potential to deliver a full EPCm service offering. We now work closely with other locally established partners for potential nuclear opportunities, and with TWP for mining opportunities.