The boards of both Australia-listed companies agreed there is merit in combining their businesses while flagging there was no guarantee a transaction will be made.

As of this morning, Skilled had a market capitalisation of $324.4 million, slightly bigger than Programmed’s $308.5 million.

While Programmed is a leader in property maintenance services, it also provides staffing, maintenance and project services to the oil and gas industry.

“We are the largest provider of manning and vessel management services to the offshore oil and gas sector in Australia and New Zealand,” Programmed said on its website.

Skilled has two business divisions in the oil and gas market, Skilled Offshore and SWAN Contract Personnel.