MAERSK Broker, the Danish shipbroker, which has been privately owned by Denmark’s Mc-Kinney Moller family since its foundation in 1914, has gained full independence following a management and employee buyout.

The buyout, which has been secured for an undisclosed sum, ends a lengthy period of speculation about the future of the broking house that had previously been the subject of a rumoured takeover bid by London-rival Clarksons earlier this year.

Announcing the buyout on Friday, Kristian Morch, chairman of the Maersk Broker board said the owners and the board of directors had “for some time explored different ownership structures to ensure the company remains strongly positioned for the future”.

“The change of ownership is based on a common ambition of the seller and the buyer to preserve the more than 100 years legacy, and to secure the company’s position long-term, under a new name with a new ownership structure,” read a company statement.

Maersk Broker will operate under a new name, MB Shipbrokers, following the completion of the deal.

Following closing of the transaction, the current board of directors will resign. The new board of directors will be announced “at a later stage”, a statement explained without detailing a timeline.

“We are very pleased to have ensured an ideal ownership change of Maersk Broker. This solution will enable us to continue to build on the long and proud history of the company with an aim to further expand and improve our service offering. We know that our many clients worldwide will appreciate and support our continued independence,” said Anders Hald, chief executive of MB Shipbrokers.

“Acknowledging the unwavering commitment of the management and employees to preserve the legacy and values that have been the foundation for Maersk Broker’s success for generations, we believe they are the right owners to ensure the continued success of the company in decades to come. On behalf of the owners and the board of directors, we wish the company Godspeed in their future endeavours,” he added.

Maersk Broker has long been considered one of the world’s most important shipbrokers in the containership charter market and is a significant player in the sale and purchase, and newbuilding sectors for many vessel types.

In recent years, the Copenhagen-headquartered company has expanded its chartering activities within the dry cargo sector, while the liquefied natural gas sector is generating an increasing share of revenue.

Maersk Broker told Lloyd’s List recently that its primary strategy is to expand its market share in sale and purchase, as well as newbuildings, and to further grow its relatively nascent LNG chartering business.

MB Shipbrokers have made clear that there will be no changes to the operation of the company following the buyout and it will remain “business as usual in all aspects”.

The company has offices located in all the major shipping hubs, with Asia providing the best growth, staffed by a total of 250 brokers and supporting personnel.

Maersk Broker is well known for its research and analysis reports, alternative financing and vessel valuations services. Other areas in which Maersk Broker is active include supporting its clients for the long road to decarbonisation.