“Markos is a powerhouse of high-quality European boat manufacture as well as composite technology across a wide range of industries, so their R&D, expertise and vast manufacturing capacity solidify Axopar’s position as Europe’s fastest-growing boat brand.

“Axopar has been recognised in the Financial Times FT1000 list as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies – its business acumen as well as the excellence and innovation of their marine products is further reinforced by this bold and strategic move.”

Despite a market slowdown, Axopar is accelerating, achieving a 15 percent revenue growth in 2023 while also increasing its profitability.

Axopar says its acquisition of Markos shows its commitment to the long-term development of the company and its operations.

“We promised that our 10th anniversary year would be full of surprises,” says Jan-Erik Viitala, founding partner of Axopar. “The investment in Markos stands as one of the most significant announcements during this milestone year.

“A strategic expansion of this kind is more than just an investment; it is a testament to our commitment to constantly taking steps forward, innovating and growing.”

With this investment, Axopar gains access to Markos’ state-of-the-art composite manufacturing facilities, technologies, know-how and skilled workforce in Poland.

Axopar says this will enable it to enhance its R&D and production capabilities, streamline its operations, increase efficiency, and keep meeting demand for its products.

There will not be any immediate changes to Markos’ current business and relations as Markos continues to serve its customers, including other boat brands, as usual.

Axopar has confirmed its ambition is to develop the company into a leading composite manufacturer, together with Markos, and to deliver and produce components for boat brands other than Axopar.

“Taking pride in one’s employer is an integral part of Markos’ company culture, and we seek to foster this culture and the company’s strong employer brand also going forward,” says Ari-Pekka Saarikangas, CEO of Axopar.

“We are very excited to announce this strategic investment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional value and disruptive innovations for our worldwide customers to enjoy in the future.”

Since the beginning of 2014, Axopar has also been in a long-term partnership with another OEM, Slepsk. The firm says it will continue to deepen its collaboration with Slepsk in the future, making Poland one of the hubs of manufacturing Axopar-branded boats in Europe.

“As family-owned companies, Markos and Axopar share the same values when it comes to building brands based on experience, solid reputation and dedication,” says Szymon Koseski, CEO of Markos.

“Strengthening our relationship with Axopar enables us to enter new markets with our products. This investment is a matter of pride for our company and team, and a great distinction for the entire region in which we are located.”

Another family-owned company, Fassmer, has been a minority owner of Markos since 2001 and the firm, headquartered in Berne, Germany, will continue as a shareholder together with Axopar.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Axopar as Markos’ new majority shareholder and eagerly anticipate combining our strengths to develop Markos’ operations,” says Holger Fassmer, managing director of Fassmer.

Saarikangas adds, “Markos is one of Europe’s leading sustainable composite manufacturing and boatbuilding companies, and we recognise the increasing importance of investing in sustainability, and together we aim to spearhead this movement.”

Despite the announcement of the transaction, the specific financial details, including the share sales price, remain undisclosed.

axopar.com
eyachts.com.au