Marlink to acquire Livewire Connections to create the leading maritime VSAT company in the superyacht market
11 December 2017
Marlink, backed by Apax-partners has signed a definite agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Livewire Connections, a UK headquartered satellite communications service provider with focus on superyacht customers. The move follows the recent announcement that Marlink intends to acquire a majority stake in the Spanish superyacht service provider OmniAccess. Both companies have been strategically chosen for their leading position, unique capabilities and quality focus to provide unrivalled services and value for customers in the highly demanding superyacht segment.
Following completion of the share purchase, Livewire Connections will become part of the Marlink Group, joining the worldwide leader in maritime communications and maritime VSAT services, generating close to $500 million revenues, employing approx. 1000 experts globally and serving an installed base of around 5000 VSAT vessels under contract. Established as an innovator and today the most trusted service provider in all key maritime markets, including shipping, offshore, cruise / ferry and fishing, Marlink’s recent round of acquisitions will complement and extend further its leading position to the superyacht market segment.
With its HQ in Chessington, Surrey and office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Livewire Connections is an established satellite airtime provider and solutions integrator to the Marine market since 2004. In addition to supplying an array of satellite and terrestrial communications services and hardware, Livewire Connections focuses on providing custom IT and networking installations to meet the wide range of requirements found in the superyacht sector. With end to end solutions forming the core of its market strategy the company looks to support its clients’ needs from simple email through to dedicated VSAT services. This approach has been helped by Livewire Connections’ position as a top Cobham Satcom dealer, currently 12th in the world, and enabled them to provide contracted services to a fleet of more than 120 superyachts ranging from 30m to 140m+. With customers operating globally, Livewire Connections supports them on many adventures including trips as far afield as Antarctica and South Georgia through to the North-West Passage.
“Livewire Connections has consistently demonstrated to be at the forefront of satcom service provision for superyacht customers in Europe and the US, so we are delighted to have them on board as part of the Marlink Group,” said Erik Ceuppens, CEO of the Marlink Group. “Just like OmniAccess, Livewire Connections is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovation and service excellence to deliver premium customer satisfaction. Together they will make a great fit and undoubtedly the most capable company to provide the best-in-class services for the sophisticated superyacht customers.”
“Joining forces with Marlink enables us to deliver even more value to our customers,” said David Walker at Livewire Connections. “We are looking forward to expanding our local, customer-centred approach with world-leading infrastructure, technology and engineering solutions from Marlink and OmniAccess. Together we will deliver more innovation for customers in the luxury vessel segment meeting the unique needs for bandwidth, flexibility and functionality with leading customised solutions.”
