Saxdor Yachts Acquired by Malibu Boats in €150m Deal

Saxdor Yachts has been acquired by Malibu Boats in a €150 million deal, positioning the fast-growing Finnish brand for global expansion and deeper access to the North American market.
06 Mar

Edited March 6, 2026

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Saxdor executive standing aboard a Saxdor 320 in the production hall, with multiple Saxdor boats lined up behind.

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Saxdor Yachts enters a new chapter with Malibu Boats

Saxdor Yachts has announced its acquisition by Malibu Boats, Inc. (MBI), marking a significant step in the Finnish builder’s global growth strategy. The transaction, valued at approximately €150 million (USD $175 million), will see Saxdor operate as a subsidiary while retaining its brand identity and operational autonomy.

Founded in Loudon, Tennessee, in 1982, Malibu Boats is a global manufacturer of recreational powerboats. The company generates more than USD $800 million in annual revenue, employs over 2,000 people across eight production facilities, and sells more than 5,000 boats each year.

Growth ambitions and global expansion

The acquisition reflects a shared ambition to expand globally and accelerate innovation across both companies. Saxdor, founded in 2019, has grown rapidly with a portfolio of 10 boat models ranging from 20 to 46 feet. The company employs nearly 1,000 people and has achieved strong financial momentum, reporting year-on-year revenue growth of 65%, rising from €109 million in 2024 to €180 million in 2025.

By joining Malibu Boats, Saxdor gains access to a broader infrastructure and resources that could strengthen its presence, particularly in North America.

We are very excited about the opportunities ahead with Mali. Their resources, innovation vision, and infrastructure position us for long-term success. Combined with Saxdor’s unique models, efficient production, strong brand, and the talent and continuous dedication of our team, this acquisition unlocks an entirely new level of growth. This milestone is ultimately the result of years of focused execution and the exceptional commitment of our people, who have built Saxdor into what it is today. Malibu is a great cultural fit, and we look forward to the development opportunities this larger organization will offer our team.

Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor

Brand independence and leadership continuity

Saxdor confirmed that its management team will remain in place and that the brand will continue to operate independently within the Malibu organisation. Founder and Chief Designer Sakari Mattila will also remain Head Designer.

Malibu’s portfolio currently includes Malibu, Axis, Cobalt, Pursuit, Cobia, Pathfinder, Maverick, and Hewes. The addition of Saxdor strengthens the group’s offering in the premium recreational boating segment, which is expected to grow at a 15% CAGR according to SSI data (2023-2025).

With North America currently representing only a portion of Saxdor’s revenue, the partnership is expected to open new opportunities for expansion in one of the world’s largest boating markets.

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Main image Copyright: Radek Nowacki

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