Maritime satellite communications provider Marlink is set to be sold for US$1.4Bn
France-hedquartered Apax Partners is selling Marlink to private equity firm Providence Equity Partners, which specialises in media, communications, education, software and services industries.
Marlink is one of the largest providers of communications technology, particularly VSAT, to maritime industries.
It has been owned, sold and repurchased in the past decade by Apax investors while providing Ka-band and Ku-band communications in the shipping and offshore sectors.
In H1 2022 Marlink’s ownership will change again when the agreed transaction is expected to close in a US$1.4Bn deal.
Under this deal, Providence will acquire a majority shareholding in Marlink, while Apax will retain an undisclosed minority shareholding. Investment firm Ardian has also committed to owning a minority interest.
“Marlink offers a comprehensive set of smart network solutions combining the entire spectrum of satellite communications and terrestrial connectivity, IT, cloud, cyber security and internet of things managed services,” said Providence senior managing director Karim Tabet.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Apax and Ardian, and we look forward to supporting Erik Ceuppens [Marlink chief executive] and his team as Marlink continues to be a market leader and seeks to capitalise on increased demand for higher bandwidth connectivity and digital solutions.”
The transaction is subject to customary and regulatory approvals.
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