Malibu Boats, a Tennessee-based designer, manufacturer, and marketer of recreational powerboats and marine services, announced that it has acquired Saxdor Yachts, a Finland-based designer and manufacturer of premium adventure dayboats, for approximately €150 million (about $175 million). The transaction values Saxdor at roughly 7.2x estimated EBITDA for the twelve months ending March 31, 2026.
Founded in 2019 in Helsinki by entrepreneur Sakari Mattila, Saxdor has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing premium boatbuilders. The company has produced and delivered more than 2,000 boats worldwide and employs over 800 people across engineering and manufacturing facilities in Finland and Poland.
Malibu Boats said the acquisition supports its strategy to become a global marine solutions and services provider while expanding its portfolio into the fast-growing premium adventure dayboat category. The company estimates the segment represents a $2.5 billion global market growing at approximately 15% annually.
Saxdor operates through a network of more than 100 dealer locations in over 50 countries across five continents. The company expects Saxdor to generate between $225 million and $235 million in revenue for the twelve months ending March 31, 2026, with EBITDA margins of approximately 10% to 11%.
The acquisition was structured with about €110 million in cash and approximately €40 million in Malibu common stock. The cash portion was financed using cash on hand and Malibu’s existing credit facility. Saxdor shareholders may also receive up to €72 million in additional consideration tied to operational and financial performance targets through 2028.
Malibu Boats expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to earnings per share and believes the combination will enhance its global manufacturing footprint, sourcing capabilities, and distribution infrastructure.
Following the transaction, Saxdor will operate as a subsidiary of Malibu Boats while maintaining its brand identity and operational autonomy. Saxdor founder and chief designer Sakari Mattila will continue to lead the brand’s creative direction and will also advise on Malibu’s broader portfolio of brands.
KEY QUOTES
“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. 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. 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.”
Steve Menneto, Chief Executive Officer, Malibu Boats, Inc.
“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.”
Sakari Mattila, Founder And Chief Designer, Saxdor Yachts
