percent, Smedvig said on Thursday.

Earlier, Bona had reported acquired two-thirds of Smedvig's issued share capital.

Bona, the tanker arm of Norwegian ship owner Leif Hoegh, now holds 13,903,101 shares in Smedvig, an owner and operator of modern, medium-sized crude oil carriers.

Both companies are Bermuda-registered.

A mandatory offer for the remaining shares will be made promptly.

"In the current circumstances, our near term priorities are to maintain a high level of service to our customers and ascertain the plans which Bona has for the conduct of the business and the treatment of our employees,'' said Smedvig chairman Mr. Peter Smedvig.

"We want to be sure that all our commitments are met.

"I have today (Thursday) invited the principals of Bona to meet with me and my management team next week to discuss the relevant issues,'' he said.

The announcement marked a reverse for Smedvig, which earlier said it opposed the takeover.