Malibu Boats (MBI) has acquired Saxdor Yachts for in a deal worth around EUR 150 million (US $175 million).
The transaction comprises EUR 110 million (USD $130 million) in cash plus shares of Malibu common stock valued at approximately EUR 40 million (USD $45 million).
In addition, 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 the calendar years 2026, 2027, and 2028
The acquisition represents a valuation of approximately 7.2x estimated EBITDA for the 12 months ending March 31 2026.
Adventure dayboat category
Saxdor Yachts was founded in 2019 in Helsinki, Finland by Sakari Mattila and since inception, the company has produced and delivered more than 2,000 boats worldwide and built a team of over 800 employees at its three engineering and manufacturing facilities in Finland and Poland.
Saxdor is a leader in one of the marine industry’s fastest growing segments – the $2.5 billion adventure dayboat category which Malibu estimates to be growing at a 15% a year.
In the 2025 calendar year, the shipyard achieved year-over-year growth of approximately 65% and is expected to generate revenue of USD $225,235 million for the 12 months ending March 31 2026 with margins of between 10 – 11%.
With Saxdor, we are taking a meaningful step towards our vision of becoming a global marine solutions and services provider.
Steve Menneto
“Guided by our build, innovate, and grow framework, we set a high bar for acquisitions – and Saxdor clears it easily with worldclass 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.”
And he explained how addition of Saxdor Yachts to the Malibu portfolio fills a space between its Cobalt and Pursuit brands, offering luxury at competitive price points.
Room for growth
Saxdor extends consumer reach to a sought-after demographic of younger, affluent, and ‘new-to-boating’ buyers worldwide.
The shipyard’s sales in North America represent 33% of Saxdor’s current revenue which Malibu believes leaves room for growth under its distribution, services, and manufacturing infrastructure.
The acquisition also provides global distribution synergy, with Saxdor currently distributing through a network of more than 100 dealer locations in 50 countries, including North America.
Malibu believes there is a significant opportunity to scale Saxdor into a global leader in recreational boating by further developing Saxdor’s existing distribution footprint while also exploring long-term opportunities to enhance global reach and consumer access across the combined portfolio.
Saxdor’s brand resonates with an exciting consumer segment we’ve been eager to reach.
Steve Menneto
Malibu says the acquisition will also present an opportunity to increase its North American manufacturing utilisation.
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.”
He continued: “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.”
Cutting-edge technology
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.”
Saxdor will operate as a subsidiary of MBI while maintaining its brand identity and operational autonomy.
Mattila will continue to lead Saxdor, as well as advising on Malibu’s broader portfolio of brands.
Saxdor’s management and operational teams will join Malibu.
