Following its move to acquire a majority shareholding in Spanish superyacht satcomms specialist OmniAccess, Marlink is looking to further bolster its share of the prime superyacht market with a 100 per cent share acquisition of UK-headquartered satellite communications service provider Livewire Connections. Established in the marine market since 2004, Livewire Connections not only supplies an array of satellite and terrestrial communications services and hardware but also provides custom IT and networking installations tailored to the specific requirements of the superyacht sector.

'Livewire Connections has consistently demonstrated to be at the forefront of satcomms service provision for superyacht customers in Europe and the US, so we are delighted to have them on board as part of the Marlink Group,' says Marlink Group CEO Erik Ceuppens. 'Just like OmniAccess, Livewire Connections is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovation and service excellence to deliver premium customer satisfaction. Together they will make a great fit and undoubtedly the most capable company to provide the best-in-class services for the sophisticated superyacht customers.'

With an office also in Fort Lauderdale, UK-based Livewire Connections has made a point of offering end-to-end solutions for everything from simple email connectivity to full-on VSAT services. As a top Cobham dealer, Livewire currently has contracted services with more than 120 superyachts ranging from 30m to 140m-plus, many of which have undertaken off-the-beaten-track cruises as afar afield as Antarctica to the Northwest Passage.

Marlink's recent acquisition drive, with the backing of Apax-partners, demonstrates a clear intent to expand its extensive marine market operations into the specialist but high value superyacht segment. The Marlink Group already boasts $500 million revenues with a wider marine VSAT fleet of 5,000 vessels under contract, and its targeted expansion into the megayacht sector further cements its offering which currently encompasses the shipping, offshore, cruise, ferry, and fishing markets. The deal with Livewire Connections is expected to close in the coming weeks.

'Joining forces with Marlink enables us to deliver even more value to our customers,' says David Walker of Livewire Connections. 'We are looking forward to expanding our local, customer-centred approach with world-leading infrastructure, technology and engineering solutions from Marlink and OmniAccess. Together we will deliver more innovation for customers in the luxury vessel segment meeting the unique needs for bandwidth, flexibility and functionality with leading customised solutions.'

Photo: from left to right – David Walker, Livewire Connections; Erik Ceuppens, Marlink Group; James Ashworth, Livewire Connections

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