Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) ("Malibu", "MBI" or the "Company"), a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a diverse range of recreational powerboats and marine-services, today announced that it has acquired Saxdor Yachts ("Saxdor"), a leading European designer and manufacturer of premium adventure dayboats and one of the world's fastest-growing boat brands, for approximately EUR 150 million (USD $175 million), representing a valuation of approximately 7.2x estimated EBITDA1 for the twelve months ending March 31, 2026.
Founded in 2019 in Helsinki, Finland by visionary entrepreneur Sakari Mattila, Saxdor Yachts has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's most dynamic premium performance boatbuilders. Its award-winning models fuse advanced hull engineering, modern Scandinavian design and highly functional luxury at an exceptional value – redefining expectations in the premium adventure dayboat segment. Since its inception, Saxdor has produced and delivered over 2,000 boats worldwide and built a team of over 800 employees at its three engineering and manufacturing facilities in Finland and Poland.
"Guided by our build, innovate, and grow framework, we set a high bar for acquisitions – and Saxdor clears it easily with world-class boats, industry-leading growth and global reach" said Steve Menneto, Chief Executive Officer of Malibu. "With Saxdor, we are taking a meaningful step towards our vision of becoming a global marine solutions and services provider. The strategic merits of this transaction extend beyond increased scale and portfolio expansion – it also establishes a global manufacturing footprint which provides for improved sourcing, expanded service capabilities, and a deeper distribution infrastructure – creating a more diversified, more resilient platform that can deliver results through market cycles."
Transaction Highlights:
Mr. Menneto added, "What Sakari Mattila and the entire Saxdor team have built over the past five years is truly remarkable. Their innovation engine, world-class design and bold brand positioning have redefined the adventure dayboat category. We are thrilled to welcome them into the MBI family. Saxdor's brand resonates with an exciting consumer segment we've been eager to reach – a younger, affluent, adventure-oriented demographic of boaters around the world who are resilient buyers and attracted to Scandinavian design and functional luxury."
Sakari Mattila, Founder and Chief Designer of Saxdor, added, "When I founded Saxdor in 2019, I wanted to create something completely different – boats that would speak to a new generation of boaters who value both cutting-edge technology and timeless design. After three decades in marine innovation, I've learned that the best boats aren't just built, they're reimagined. We have an unprecedented pipeline of breakthrough models that represent our commitment to disrupting traditional boating in this high-growth adventure dayboat category of the market. The entire team at Saxdor is thrilled to join forces with MBI to provide greater global access to our award-winning product line."
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the transaction, MBI acquired Saxdor for approximately EUR 150 million (USD $175 million), comprised of EUR 110 million (USD $130 million) in cash plus shares of Malibu common stock valued at approximately EUR 40 million (USD $45 million). The cash consideration was financed through cash on hand and MBI's existing credit facility. Saxdor's shareholders may earn up to EUR 72 million (USD $84 million) in additional consideration upon achievement of certain operating and financial growth targets in calendar years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Saxdor will operate as a subsidiary of MBI while maintaining its brand identity and operational autonomy. Founder and Chief Designer Sakari Mattila will continue his creative leadership for Saxdor, as well as advise on MBI's broader portfolio of brands. Saxdor's management and operational teams will join MBI and continue to drive Saxdor's product innovation, category leadership and growth strategy.