ABP GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE BO LERENIUS AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE

Bo Lerenius, CBE, Group Chief Executive of Associated British Ports (ABP), has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Business Administration by London Metropolitan University.

Mr Lerenius was presented with the award by Presiding Officer Peter Anwyl at a ceremony held in London’s Barbican Centre before an audience of dignitaries and this year’s university graduands. The award was conferred in recognition of his distinguished service to business and industry, and in particular, to the UK ports industry.

Mr Lerenius, 60, was appointed Group Chief Executive of ABP in May 1999, since when he refocused the strategy of the business. So successful has been his strategy for the business that ABP was the target of a recent successful takeover bid by Admiral Acquisitions Ltd (UK), a consortium comprising Goldman Sachs, Borealis Infrastructure Management, GIC Special Investments and Infracapital Partners. The takeover offer for the Company valued ABP at approximately £3.3 billion including debt.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Lerenius said that the award was an unexpected honour:

“This really is a proud moment for me. I’m very grateful to London Metropolitan University for recognising my achievements in this way, especially with regards to my service to the UK ports industry through my position as Group Chief Executive of Associated British Ports.”

Mr Lerenius added:

“I’m also very pleased to be associated with London Metropolitan University in this way. Like the UK ports industry, London Met enjoys and trades on its international reputation and is a fine ambassador for this country.”

Mr Peter Anwyl of London Metropolitan University said:

“We are honoured to be giving this award to Mr Lerenius because of his commitment to British industry. This award and Mr Lerenius's commitment to the UK ports industry reinforce the strength of Swedish-British community ties.”

In June last year, Mr Lerenius was honoured by Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II when he was appointed honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), in recognition of his services to the UK ports industry.

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