BW Group’s pending takeover of Epic Gas has added another chapter in an accelerating spate of merger-and-­acquisition deals sanctioned by shipowner Andreas Sohmen-Pao.

The BW Group chairman is still remembered for orchestrating the 2003 takeover of Bergesen. However, his dealmaking has stepped up a gear in the past three years, including this week’s agreement to pay $50m for 54.7% of Epic and an offer to buy the remaining stock.