A landmark sale for Zodiac Milpro
The Argos Wityu investment fund recently announced the sale of Zodiac Milpro, an iconic company in the professional inflatable and RIB boat sector. Founded in 1896, Zodiac Milpro has played a key role in the evolution of nautical technologies, notably for the armed forces, sea rescuers and maritime safety professionals. With sales of ?92 million and 390 employees worldwide, the company is a major player in the industry.
The motivation behind the sale
Argos Wityu, which had acquired Zodiac Milpro in 2018, explains its choice to sell after several strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening the company's position in international markets. Indeed, Zodiac Milpro expanded its offering with the purchase of Yacht Werft Meyer in 2022, a German shipyard specializing in luxury yacht tenders, and Vectis Marine Design in 2021, a naval engineering company. The sale marks the end of a growth phase under the leadership of Argos, but leaves open the question of future ownership and strategic direction.
Zodiac Milpro: world-renowned expertise
Zodiac Milpro is more than just a boat manufacturer. It is a global benchmark in the field of high-tech boats for professional use. Its RIBs are used by customers as diverse as firefighters, coastguards and the armies of many countries.
A global presence with five shipyards
The company has five shipyards in the USA, Canada, Spain, Germany and Australia. These sites enable Zodiac to meet international demand, particularly for special units or customized boats. The acquisition of the German shipyard Yacht Werft Meyer has consolidated Zodiac's ability to produce high-performance units for both the military sector and large yacht tenders.
Innovations for safety and performance
For decades, Zodiac Milpro has set itself apart with cutting-edge technological solutions. The company has pioneered many advances in the design of modern inflatable boats. The patents and technologies developed by Zodiac continue to set standards in the professional RIB sector.
A demanding market with high barriers to entry
The professional RIB industry demands the highest standards of reliability, performance and safety. Zodiac Milpro has established itself as a leader in this demanding market, thanks in particular to its ability to innovate while complying with the most rigorous standards. The sale of the company could lead to a redefinition of priorities, depending on the profile of the future buyer.
What does the future hold for Zodiac Milpro?
While the future owner of Zodiac Milpro remains unknown, the impact of this sale on the company and its employees is a central question. Employees in several countries will have to adapt to potential changes in governance and strategy. Major customers, such as the armed forces and rescue services, are watching this transition closely, as it could have repercussions on boat production and maintenance.
Growth potential in Asia and the Middle East
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the sale, Zodiac Milpro retains strong growth potential, particularly in Asian and Middle Eastern markets. The support of new investors could boost these prospects and enable the company to further expand its international network.
