Windward to be Acquired by FTV Capital for $270 Million

Windward, an Israeli company specializing in predictive maritime intelligence and traded on the London Stock Exchange, is set to be acquired by American investment firm FTV Capital. The deal is valued at 216 million pounds ($270 million), nearly one billion shekels.

As part of the deal, Windward will be acquired through Octopus UK Bidco, a subsidiary of FTV Capital, at a price of 215 pence per share. This represents a premium of 47% above the company's last closing share price.

Windward has developed an engine for predicting and generating insights for the maritime trade and insurance industries. The company was founded in 2011 by Ami Daniel and Matan Peled, who both served as sailors in the navy. The platform developed by Windward provides real-time information and insights on sea vessels, allowing stakeholders in the maritime field to obtain intelligence for risk management and to gain business and operational insights.

The company, chaired by former BP Chairman Lord John Browne, began trading in London in 2021.

"This is an exciting step in Windward's development, allowing us to continue to consolidate our advantage as leaders in generative maritime AI through accelerating innovation and market expansion," said Ami Daniel, CEO of the company. "We are proud of the growth we have achieved during our time on the AIM market and our ability to adapt and embed advanced technologies, especially in the field of generative AI. American ownership is expected to accelerate our penetration and growth in the American market."

Windward is registered in Israel and employs 127 out of its 170 employees here. The two founders, Ami Daniel (40) and Matan Peled (43), hold about 7% of the shares.

The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025, subject to the approval of Windward's shareholders. FTV Capital announced that it has already received irrevocable commitments to vote in favor of the acquisition from shareholders holding about 63% of the company's shares.