Marine business boosted by acquisition

Paul Boughton

Supacat has acquired MDS Marine as the latest step in the company’s strategy to expand its marine and renewable energy business. In 2013 the company launched its Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV 24), which has since secured James Fisher Marine Services as launch customer with the first vessel making its maiden charter in May 2014. The Supacat Launch & Recovery System developed for the RNLI’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat provided the company’s springboard into marine engineering.

“Acquiring MDS Marine demonstrates Supacat’s commitment to the marine sector and forms part of our continuing diversification strategy to expand our marine business further through appropriate teaming agreements, joint ventures or acquisitions”, said Nick Ames, the company’s MD. 

Hampshire, UK-based MDS Marine gives Supacat access to the inboard propulsion market for powering ribs, tenders, utility vessels and super yachts, where MDS provides sales, installation and support services for Marinediesel Sweden and manufacturers, such as Konrad. Marinediesel’s VGT engines are used worldwide in the commercial, leisure and military markets, the latter offering synergies with Supacat’s core defence business in high-mobility military vehicles.  

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