Aker ASA is headquartered in Norway and was founded in 1841. The company is an industrial investment firm that actively owns portfolio companies, working on their boards to develop strategies, improve operations, and facilitate financing and restructuring. Aker's portfolio focuses on companies in oil and gas, maritime assets, seafood/marine biotechnology, and real estate sectors. The company has two portfolios: industrial holdings and financial investments. The former includes Aker's more strategic assets, while the latter includes liquid assets, real estate development projects, and other assets owned for the short term. Aker employs approximately 26,000 people, including 14,000 in Norway. The company was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2004.