Aker In Talks to Sell Aker Base Unit

Aker Maritime is in talks to sell a 32.5 percent stake in its Aker Base unit to supply ship owners Simen Moekster Shipping and Eidesvik Holding. Aker Maritime, which would maintain a 35 percent holding in Aker Base, would book a pre-tax gain of 208 million crowns ($25.5 million) from the deal, including 140 million in 2000. Under the deal, Aker Base, a land-based support group for offshore installations, would also service Moekster's and Eidesvik's supply ships.