A London-based family with extensive holdings in the African oil industry has emerged as co-owners in Laurent Cadji-run Union Maritime.

Brothers Ramesh and Bhupendra Kansagra are low-key shareholders but substantial ones, who have stayed out of the spotlight since the company was founded 15 years ago.

Documents including court papers and corporate filings show that — via family investment company Solai Holdings — they are equal shareholders with the Cadji family in most Union Maritime affiliates for which information is accessible.