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

He-Man Dual Controls has been acquired by Lagercrantz UK Limited
Private Equity | Automotive | Industrial Machinery & Components

He-Man Dual Controls has been acquired by Lagercrantz UK Limited

Lagercrantz UK Limited has acquired 100% of the shares in HM Holding Limited (He-Man Dual Controls), a leader in supplemental control systems for vehicles.

Learn more
Ambala Foods Limited has been acquired by Cake Box Holdings plc
Consumer & Retail | Food & Beverage

Ambala Foods Limited has been acquired by Cake Box Holdings plc

Cake Box Holdings plc has acquired the Asian dessert specialist Ambala Foods Limited.

Learn more
HC Partners has successfully secured debt financing for the acquisition of West Friesland Dakbedekkingen
Private Equity | Construction & Engineering Services

HC Partners has successfully secured debt financing for the acquisition of West Friesland Dakbedekkingen

Dutch private equity firm HC Partners has formed a strategic partnership with West Friesland Dakbedekkingen B.V. (WFD). This marks HC Partners’ entry into the roofing sector, with plans to build a national platform of regional roofing specialists.

Learn more