SMI Group in the Netherlands, parent company of Dutch hydraulics specialist Hydromar Marine Equipment, has acquired the Swissway brand of yacht boarding equipment for an undisclosed sum.
SMI is a family-owned holding company that consists of six production firms, three of which operate in the yachting industry – Cramm Yachting Systems, Helicopter Landing Systems and Hydromar Marine Equipment.
The group has now formed a seventh company, Swissway Marine Holland b.v., and has taken over the Swissway brand and assets to continue the production of Swissway boarding equipment for yachts of up to 30m.
Swissway srl halted its activities at the end of 2017.
According to a company statement, the takeover of the brand and its IP will complete SMI’s existing business in the yachting sector by extending its footprint and strengthening its portfolio towards yachts from 15m-30m.
With the cooperation of Swissway srl, the assembly of Swissway boarding equipment will move from Italy to the Netherlands by the end of January 2018. The general management will be overseen by Hydromar MD Rob Montijn and Swissway personnel.
Swissway will become the first Dutch producer of series-produced boarding equipment for yachts up to 30m, the statement claims. SMI believes that clever Swiss ‘design’ and Dutch production philosophy gives the best value for money for boarding equipment of this size.
SMI states that clients will benefit from the Swissway brand in the European yacht business, particularly for the “quality, communication and aftersales of Swissway based on Dutch philosophy and experience”.
Together with sister companies Hydromar Marine Equipment and Cramm Yachting Systems, Swissway is expected to create long-term value as a strong market player in the European superyacht business.
No comments yet