Equity United invests in SeaBird Designs, a leading kayak and motorboat brand
December 2023 — Equity United, a private equity fund in the Baltics investing in SME companies in the growth stage, has invested in SeaBird Designs, a renowned manufacturer of kayaks and motorboats. In a strategic move to bolster SeaBird Designs’ growth, Equity United has acquired a 25% stake in the company and has additionally extended a loan to further propel the business’ development.
Founded in 2006 in Norway, SeaBird Designs has established itself as one of Europe’s fastest-growing kayak brands, having expanded its reach globally with a strong network of dealers in over 30 countries. Notably, SeaBird Designs has clinched the title of the top-selling kayak brand in Norway, a testament to its product quality and market appeal. In 2023, SeaBird Designs ventured into the production and sale of rotomolded motorboats, marking a significant expansion in its product line. This new business segment is earmarked for further development, with the backing of the company’s founder Mr. Len Ystmark and Equity United.
Equity United PE1 (Equity United) operates out of Tallinn and Vilnius. Key investors in the fund, besides the management, include the European Investment Fund (EIF) and LHV pension funds. With this investment, Equity United aims to leverage its expertise and resources to scale SeaBird Designs’ operations and enhance its footprint in the kayak and motorboat industry.
Our role in the transaction
Oaklins’ teams in Latvia and Estonia acted as the M&A advisors to the founders of SeaBird Designs in this transaction.
Talk to the deal team
Related deals
Capvis has sold hessnatur to Wourth Group
Hess Natur-Textilien GmbH & Co. KG has become part of the international Wourth Group. With the change of ownership from Capvis to Wourth Group, hessnatur is entering its next phase of development. The transaction reflects the company’s successful strategic and business development in recent years, and creates a strong foundation for the future.
Learn moreNymann Kloak- & Miljøservice has been acquired by Serwent Group
Nymann Kloak- & Miljøservice has been acquired by Serwent Group. The acquisition expands Serwent’s footprint in Denmark while broadening its service offering and strengthening capacity across its existing platform. This transaction further supports Serwent’s ambition to become the leading Nordic operator in underground infrastructure maintenance.
Learn moreLife & Mobility has attracted investor Bolster Investment Partners
Life & Mobility, a leading developer and manufacturer of premium mobility and rehabilitation solutions, has welcomed Bolster Investment Partners as a new shareholder. The partnership provides Life & Mobility with a strong long-term partner to support the company’s next phase of growth, with a continued focus on product innovation, strengthening its leading market position and further international expansion. The company’s mission remains to enhance the mobility, independence and quality of life of end users through innovative, sustainable and circular mobility solutions designed for multiple life cycles.
Learn more