Clyde & Co has represented Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Group on its agreement to merge with another Hong Kong-based firm, Univan Ship Management Group, in what is the biggest-ever merger of independent, third-party ship management companies.

The new entity will be known as Anglo-Eastern Univan Group and will have 600 ships under full management and 100 ships under crew management only, as well as more than 1,700 shore-based staff and 24,000 seafarers. The Anglo-Eastern and Univan fleets will continue to operate under their existing management.

The global deal was handled by Clyde & Co’s corporate and commercial team in Hong Kong, led by corporate counsel Kevin Martin and shipping and finance partner Conor Warde. Singapore-based partner Ian Stewart and legal director Thomas Choo provided support, alongside Vineet Aneja, a partner at Clasis Law, Clyde & Co's associate firm in India.

Hong Kong firms Howse Williams Bowers and Lea & White advised Univan’s shareholders.