Marlink and OmniAccess join forces to create new maritime VSAT partnership

Maritime satcoms specialists Marlink and Omniaccess have together announced that Marlink has signed a definite agreement to acquire a majority stake in OmniAccess. The existing management team of OmniAccess will remain unchanged and continue to keep a significant shareholding in the company.

The new combined group is the worldwide leader in maritime VSAT services, generating close to $500m (£370m) revenues, employing around 1,000 people and operating a global infrastructure supporting an install base of more than 4,000 VSAT vessels.

Established in 2002 and headquartered in the “yachting capital of the Mediterranean,” the island of Mallorca, OmniAccess is a leading global provider of broadband connectivity services and solutions to the high-end superyacht and boutique cruise line customers, and will remain a standalone company. OmniAccess offers a complete portfolio of cutting- edge IT and broadband connectivity services and solutions to over 300 of the world’s largest superyachts, in addition to ocean and river-cruise vessels.

Erik Ceuppens, CEO of Marlink Group, said, “We are very proud that OmniAccess is joining forces with Marlink. OmniAccess is a truly unique company with in-depth understanding, expertise and capabilities to serve the sophisticated superyacht segment better than anyone else. Together, we extend and strengthen the Group’s global leadership position in the maritime broadband communication and IT market, with a unique position in all maritime segments.”

Bertrand Hartman, CEO and founder of OmniAccess, said, “We are absolutely delighted to join forces with Marlink. Marlink is a very reputable and well-established player and I am convinced that the extended capabilities and scale of this great cooperation model is very beneficial to all our customers and allows us to serve them better than ever.” 

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approval and closing is expected in the first half of 2018.

For more information, visit Omniaccess/Marlink