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BMS United Bunkers Group and International Bunker Services (IBS) have reached an agreement to merge their respective organizations, BMS United Bunkers has confirmed in a statement.

Commenting on the merger, Executive Group Director Lars Nielsen said: "BMS United Bunkers has been looking for a partner to further strengthen our position in key areas in the Asian region. International Bunker Services is a perfect match, adding strategically important offices and knowledge to our group. Both companies share the values of service excellence and partnership, while we both have the mentality of always putting the customer first. To my belief this is how the way for a successful business is paved. Finally, we expect a lot of synergies from this union, not only in respect of offering more efficient and economical solutions to our clients, but also from bringing more volume to our suppliers and enhancing our operational efficiency."

BMS United Bunkers and International Bunker Services are "for the time being" to continue operating under their existing brand names as part of the BMS United Bunkers Group umbrella.

Rong Zhou, Managing Director of International Bunker Services, remarked: "I am very happy for the warm welcome to the BMS United Bunkers Group. I am of the strong belief that we have found the perfect partner who will allow us to continue our strong focus in the region, as well as supporting our customers for their global business."

Managing Director of BMS United Bunkers South East Asia, George Kounalakis, commented: "With the addition of the strong team of International Bunker Services complementing our efforts in Hong Kong, and the incorporation of an office in Far East Russia, we now stand as a leading bunker trading group in the region."

BMS Bunkers and Asian bunker trading specialist United Bunkering and Trading (UBT) merged their respective businesses to form BMS United Bunkers in June 2014.

As a merged firm, BMS United Bunkers Group combined the offices of BMS Bunkers in Greece and Argentina with the offices of United Bunkering and Trading located in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Taiwan.

International Bunker Services has offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Vladivistok.