Saxdor Yachts acquired by Malibu Boats
Finnish boatbuilder Saxdor Yachts has been acquired by US giant Malibu Boats, in a deal valued at approximately €150 million (USD $175 million).
Saxdor will operate as a subsidiary of MBI while maintaining its brand identity and operational autonomy.
Founder Sakari Mattila remains head designer
Founded in 2019, Saxdor confirms it will continue to operate as a standalone global brand, with its management team remaining in place. Founder and chief designer Sakari Mattila will also continue in his role as head designer, as the portfolio grows within the Malibu family.
Malibu Boats, a leader in recreational powerboats, was founded in 1982 in Tennessee and generates over USD $800 million in annual revenue, selling over 5,000 boats annually.
“We are very excited about the opportunities ahead with Malibu,” says Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor. “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.”
In October 2025, the Finnish boat brand announced a 49 per cent year-over-year increase in US sales.
Saxdor confirmed its brand, commercial model, and partnerships remain foundational as the company begins this next chapter with MBI.
By joining Malibu, Saxdor says it gains access to ‘significant resources, shared innovation vision and an established infrastructure positioning the brand for long-term success, particularly in north America’.
Malibu Boats targets growth in adventure segment
Malibu’s expansive portfolio covers wake sports, luxury runabouts, and saltwater fishing, serving boating enthusiasts across America and beyond. With the addition of Saxdor’s adventure boat capabilities, the combined company is further positioned to expand its global reach across the most important and dynamic recreational boating segment, which is expected to grow at a 15 per cent CAGR according to SSI data (2023-2025).
Saxdor Yachts, one of the fastest-growing boat manufacturers worldwide, has a fleet of ten boat models ranging from 20ft to 46ft. It has posted year-on-year revenue growth of 65 per cent, from €109 million in 2024 to €180 million in 2025.
Joining Malibu Boats enhances Saxdor’s global growth potential by filling a unique niche in the premium recreational boating market and complementing Malibu’s portfolio – which includes brands like Malibu, Axis, Cobalt, Pursuit, Cobia, Pathfinder, Maverick, and Hewes – offering high-quality boats at competitive price points. Saxdor also brings a new wave of younger and first-time boating customers to the combined portfolio.
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