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.