Longship Fund II, a Norwegian private equity investor, completed the acquisition of Gexcon, a fire and explosion safety consultant, from NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, a Norwegian government-owned research institute, for $34m. "Gexcon has developed world class software and services, based on decades of significant R&D investments and achievements. Longship has thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting to know the people and the company and we are looking forward to supporting Gexcon, as it is now further commercialising its products and services for a global market," Bernt Østhus, Longship Partner.