Matson to Acquire Assets of Reef Shipping

Matson (NYSE: MATX) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the primary assets formerly owned by Reef Shipping, a South Pacific shipping company based in Auckland, New Zealand that has been in business since 1968.  The assets to be acquired include four vessels and approximately 1,500 pieces of container equipment.  The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about year-end. "With this acquisition, Matson continues to expand its geographic reach into the South Pacific, and build on its well-earned expertise as a Pacific island carrier," said Matt Cox, president and CEO.  "While the purchase itself is relatively small, it complements our growing network of Pacific island services.  Historically, Matson vessels, including both freighters and luxury passenger ships, served the South Pacific for five decades, beginning in the 1920s.  We are proud to return today to provide the same level of superior customer service and on-time delivery that is the hallmark of our other trade lanes."After this acquisition, Matson will continue to provide service to Reef's historical core trade lanes from See full press release