New Owners for Oyster Group

Yesterday the Oyster Group announced it has been acquired by the Dutch investment company HTP Investments (HTP). The acquisition includes the Oyster Group companies Oyster Marine Ltd, Oyster Brokerage Ltd and Southampton Yacht Services Ltd.

HTP acquired Oyster exclusively by using the funds of the partners Wim de Pundert and Klass Meertens and is therefore not subject to any restrictions with respect to the amount invested and the period over which the investment is held. HTP expands the activities of its portfolio companies both through organic growth and further acquisitions, supporting the management in strategic decision making and any required reorganisation of the firm’s financial structure.

Klass Meertens, Managing Partner of HTP Investments said, “As investors, we are delighted to have the opportunity to add such a strong and prestigious British brand to our select portfolio of companies and have every confidence in Oyster’s CEO, David Tydeman and the existing management team to take the business forward. For myself and Wim, this is a personal acquisition and a long term investment.  We look forward to working with David and the team to develop Oyster’s strategy for the future and build on the success the whole team at Oyster has achieved over the last three years.”

Despite the challenging economic conditions of the last few years, Oyster has continued to develop and launch new products, which has contributed to a gain in the market share and the company has had a very strong start to 2012 with around £10m of contracts signed in January.

Commenting on the transaction, Oyster CEO David Tydeman said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Oyster, our team of loyal staff and suppliers. HTP Investment’s acquisition is funded by the private funds of its two partners and means that Oyster can look forward to a period of long term stability, doing what we do best – building great sailing yachts.” 

Oyster will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary in 2013 and plans are already well advanced for a memorable event to mark the occasion.  On  6^th January 2013 a fleet of around 30 Oysters will depart the Caribbean on the first ever, exclusive world rally for Oyster owners, which will be a really unique event that few, if any, other yacht builders could emulate.

For more information please visit Oyster.