Supacat Acquires MDS Marine

Supacat has acquired MDS Marine as the latest step in the company’s strategy to expand its marine and renewable energy business.

Last year at Seawork International Supacat launched its revolutionary Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV 24), which has since secured James Fisher Marine Services as launch customer with the first vessel making its maiden charter in May. The Supacat Launch & Recovery System developed for the RNLI’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat provided the company’s springboard into marine engineering.

“Acquiring MDS Marine demonstrates Supacat’s commitment to the marine sector and forms part of our continuing diversification strategy to expand our marine business further through appropriate teaming agreements, joint ventures or acquisitions”, said Nick Ames, Managing Director of Supacat.

Hampshire UK based MDS Marine gives Supacat access to the inboard propulsion market for powering ribs, tenders, utility vessels and super yachts, where MDS provides sales, installation and support services for Marinediesel Sweden and manufacturers, such as Konrad. Marinediesel’s VGT engines are used worldwide in the commercial, leisure and military markets, the latter offering synergies with Supacat’s core defence business in high mobility military vehicles.

Supacat has appointed former Managing Director of Southboats, Jeremy Paul, as General Manager of MDS Marine, which retains its brand as part of the Supacat Marine Business within the Supacat group of companies.

Jeremy Paul commented, “With MDS Marine we aim to expand our share of the growing commercial and leisure market for diesel engines and focus on building up the after sales, support and spares side of the business to consolidate MDS’s existing customer base and provide a firm foundation for future growth”.

Supacat and MDS Marine are exhibiting on Stand C27 at Seawork International.