Apax Partners has completed the acquisition of Telemar Group. Through its ownership of both Marlink and Telemar, Apax Partners will create a new Maritime Group dedicated to providing the maritime industry with an integrated offering of broadband communications, digital solutions, bridge electronics and on-board maintenance.

The acquisition follows the August 2016 announcement of Apax Partners’ intention to purchase 100% of the shares in Telemar Group, and subsequent completion of all regulatory approvals. The new Apax Partners Maritime Group will be led by Erik Ceuppens as CEO of both Marlink and Telemar. Bruno Musella, Telemar CEO, will take up the position of Telemar Chairman in the new configuration.

“By combining the strengths of Marlink and Telemar we are creating a world leading maritime communications and digital solutions group that will be the partner of choice of both the global maritime customer community and satellite network operators serving the global mobility markets,” says Bertrand Pivin, Partner at Apax Partners.

“With Marlink and Telemar coming together we will create the truly first managed services company in the maritime industry for on-board communication and information systems, bridge electronics and digital solutions. Our combined capabilities will provide an unrivaled global support and servicing network for all maritime market segments and will drive innovation to enable digital vessel operations,” said Erik Ceuppens.

“Considering Telemar’s longstanding partnership with Marlink, I am confident that we will quickly become a unified force, providing access to new solutions, applications and services that help to make for a safer, smarter and more efficient maritime industry,” said Bruno Musella.

Telemar and Marlink will become a maritime communications, digital solutions and servicing specialist for all customer segments at sea including: Shipping, Offshore, Cruise & Ferry, Yachting and Fishing. The newly combined group will generate USD 450 Million in revenues with more than 800 employees worldwide serving at least 1 in 3 vessels operating globally.

Apax Partners’ new Maritime Group will deliver maritime customers with unrivaled service and support through an enhanced global footprint and worldwide sales and service locations. A global 24/7 helpdesk, specialised competence centers, local presence on all continents and a network of 1000 service points staffed by highly qualified, certified service engineers, will support the global maritime industry to operate smarter and safer.

Earlier this year, Apax Partners completed the acquisition of Marlink, transforming it into a provider of tailored communications solutions that enable both maritime and enterprise customers to digitalise their operations at sea and on land. The expertise of Marlink and Telemar, combined with its strong satellite network operators’ and bridge electronics manufacturers’ partnerships, enables the new group to bring the power of broadband communications, maritime bridge technology and service excellence to its customers globally to further optimise vessel operations and enable the digital vessel of tomorrow.

Tags: Apax Partners, Marlink, Telemar