Go to deals
Private Equity | Consumer & Retail

Equity United invests in SeaBird Designs, a leading kayak and motorboat brand

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.

Oaklins’ teams in Latvia and Estonia acted as the M&A advisors to the founders of SeaBird Designs in this transaction.

Parties

Talk to the deal team

Reinholds R. Razums

Director
Riga, Latvia
Oaklins Baltics

Heikki Källu

Partner
Tallinn, Estonia
Oaklins Baltics

Valērija Lieģe

Partner
Riga, Latvia
Oaklins Baltics

Evelīna Valtere

Associate
Riga, Latvia
Oaklins Baltics

Related deals

Hero Brands has secured strategic investment from True Capital Partners for German Doner Kebab
Consumer & Retail

Hero Brands has secured strategic investment from True Capital Partners for German Doner Kebab

Hero Brands, the owner of German Doner Kebab (GDK), has received a strategic investment from True Capital Partners, a leading investment and innovation firm focused on the consumer sector.

Learn more
Bolster Investment Partners has acquired a majority stake in Eternal Sun
Private Equity | Energy

Bolster Investment Partners has acquired a majority stake in Eternal Sun

Bolster Investment Partners, a Netherlands-based investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in Eternal Sun, a global technology leader in advanced solar panel testing equipment, from ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund, a private impact fund based in the Netherlands, and Vermec, a Belgium-based investment firm.

Learn more
Briconord has completed its fourth LBO with ODDO BHF
Private Equity | Consumer & Retail

Briconord has completed its fourth LBO with ODDO BHF

Briconord, a French designer and distributor of furniture and hardware solutions, has been acquired by a consortium of investors led by ODDO BHF in its fourth leveraged buyout (LBO).

Learn more