Private equity firm sells Marlink again

Providence Equity Partners has acquired a majority stake in Marlink from Apax Partners, starting a new era for the communications group.

Under the agreement terms, Apax will retain a minority shareholding in Marlink. The current management team and shareholder Ardian have also committed to minority interests.

Providence’s investment aims to accelerate Marlink’s growth strategy to meet increasing customer demand for satellite connectivity and associated digital solutions and services.

This comes as more shipowners invest in faster communications for their vessels to benefit from increased monitoring, optimisation and crew connectivity applications.

Further growth in bandwidth demand is expected as more offshore support vessels are reactivated and passengers continue to return to cruise ships and ferries following the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.

The deal, completed 1 July 2022, is the second time Paris, France-based Apax has sold Marlink to new investors.

Headquartered in Paris and Oslo, Norway, Marlink is a leading provider of smart networks and digital solutions to the shipping and offshore industries, as well as in enterprise, energy, humanitarian and government sectors.

Marlink said it had “delivered strong organic growth across its selected business segments and was well positioned to be a key actor in a dynamic satellite communications industry.”