Axopar acquires OEM partner in Poland

Finnish Axopar Group has acquired a majority shareholding in Markos Sp. z.o.o. through its newly founded subsidiary AX Composites, with the intention of becoming one of the world’s leading manufacturers of composite technology.                                                                                  

Markos, located in Slupsk, Poland, specialises in building componentry for heavy industry as well as the energy, marine and leisure industries and is a leading manufacturer of fibreglass-reinforced composite products used in boats, motor vehicles, transport, and wind power. The company has over 30 years of experience in component design, construction, and fabrication. The net sales of Markos were over €71 million in 2023, and the company employs over 1,200 professionals. 

With this investment, Axopar gains access to Markos’ state-of-the-art composite manufacturing facilities, technologies, know-how and its highly skilled workforce in Poland. This will enable Axopar to enhance its R&D and production capabilities, streamline its operations, increase efficiency, and meet the growing demand for its innovative products.

In line with Axopar’s growth strategy, the investment is a strategic move marking a significant expansion for Axopar’s business, strengthening its position in the adventure boat industry. Despite a market slowdown, Axopar says it is accelerating, achieving a 15 per cent revenue growth in 2023 while also increasing its profitability. The acquisition of Markos shows Axopar’s commitment to the long-term development of the company and its operations. 

“We promised that our 10^th anniversary year would be full of surprises. The investment in Markos stands as one of the most significant announcements during this milestone year. A strategic expansion of this kind is more than just an investment; it is a testament to our commitment to constantly taking steps forward, innovating and growing,” says Jan-Erik Viitala, founding partner of Axopar.

There will not be any immediate changes to Markos’ current business and relations, as Markos continues to serve its customers, including other boat brands, as usual. Furthermore, Markos says the investment and the mutual development of Markos’ business will benefit all its customers and strengthen Markos’ growth plans for the future.

Axopar’s ambition is to develop the company into one of the world’s leading composite manufacturers together with Markos, and to deliver and produce components also for other boat brands than Axopar. 

Axopar strengthens expansion in Poland

“Taking pride in one’s employer is an integral part of Markos’ company culture, and we seek to foster this culture and the company’s strong employer brand also going forward. We are very excited to announce this strategic investment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional value and disruptive innovations for our worldwide customers to enjoy in the future,” says Ari-Pekka Saarikangas, CEO of Axopar.

Since the beginning of 2014, Axopar has also been in a long-term partnership with another OEM, MPPB J.W. Slepsk, and will continue to deepen its collaboration with Slepsk in the future, making Poland one of the hubs of manufacturing Axopar-branded boats in Europe.

Shared values

The investment does not entail any organisational changes. Szymon Koseski will continue as CEO of Markos, and Cesary Koseski will join as advisor for Markos’ supervisory board. The only changes will be made in Markos’ supervisory board and management board. The supervisory board will consist of Ari-Pekka Saarikangas, Frans Zeiser and Sebastian Temporale. Szymon Koseski and Albert Zaleski will form the management board and support the current management.

“As family-owned companies, Markos and Axopar share the same values when it comes to building brands based on experience, solid reputation and dedication. Strengthening our relationship with Axopar enables us to enter new markets with our products. This investment is a matter of pride for our company and team, and a great distinction for the entire region in which we are located,” says Szymon Koseski, CEO of Markos.

Another family owned company, Gebr. Fassmer AG, has been a minority owner of Markos since 2001 and will continue as a shareholder together with Axopar. “We are thrilled to welcome Axopar as Markos’ new majority shareholder and eagerly anticipate combining our strengths to develop Markos’ operations,” says Holger Fassmer, managing director of Fassmer.  

“Markos is one of Europe’s leading sustainable composite manufacturing and boatbuilding companies, and we recognize the increasing importance of investing in sustainability, and together we aim to spearhead this movement,” says Saarikangas.