The high-end marine component sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing need among shipyards to rely on partners capable of ensuring consistent quality, production capacity and a long-term industrial vision. It is within this framework that Aksìa SGR has announced the completion—through the Aksìa Capital VI fund—of the acquisition of 100% of Seasmart S.r.l., a company based in Pesaro specializing in the design and production of premium accessories for yachts and superyachts. The transaction, formalized on 7 November, is the fund’s second investment overall, and the first specifically dedicated to the yachting sector and its high-end component industry.
The deal comes on the eve of the opening of METSTRADE in Amsterdam, the world’s leading professional trade fair for marine equipment, components and subcontracting, which opens tomorrow, 18 November, in the RAI halls. At this year’s edition, Seasmart strengthens its international presence with two exhibition spaces, 01.536 and 08.575, where it showcases solutions and products aimed at key players across the global marine supply chain.
Founded in 2007 by Mirko Antonelli, Seasmart has grown rapidly thanks to a solid technical approach and a product portfolio ranging from mooring bitts to hatches, from sea ladders to locking systems and bimini tops. The company stands out for its use of materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber and titanium, and for a development capability that integrates in-house design, prototyping and assembly. This combination has enabled Seasmart to build a recognized international position, collaborating with shipyards and design studios both in Italy and abroad.
The entry of Aksìa Capital VI is not merely a change of control, the company stresses, but the start of a broader industrial project. The fund aims to create a European hub for high-end marine components, through a growth path that combines organic development with a structured acquisition plan. Three M&A operations have already been identified and, if completed by 2026, would significantly increase the size of the group—potentially tripling its revenue. The strategy is to build an integrated network of complementary companies in terms of product type, technical capability and geographical presence: one in Italy to expand the product range, one in Europe to consolidate the portfolio, and one in the United States—considered strategic for the premium segment—to strengthen the commercial footprint.
This vision also defines the role of Mirko Antonelli, who will remain CEO, reinvesting in the project and working alongside the fund in building the new group. The industrial model developed over the years—based on a lean structure, a network of qualified suppliers and direct oversight of critical production phases—forms the foundation for an international expansion that maintains a strong link with the Italian marine supply chain.
According to Filippo Anichini, Partner at Aksìa, the transaction reflects the desire to enhance a sector in which Made in Italy expresses some of its most recognized strengths: design, advanced technical solutions, material reliability and customization capability. The creation of a dedicated hub for high-end accessories arises from the need among shipyards to access a broad, integrated and technically advanced offering, capable of supporting complex projects and global collaborations.
For Seasmart, the arrival of a solid financial partner with a strong industrial focus marks a natural step forward. After years of organic growth, the company enters a phase in which international scale, investment capacity and new managerial expertise become decisive factors for competing in a market that demands precision, responsiveness and advanced supply-chain management.
The transaction was supported by a structured team of advisors: EY for financial due diligence, Giovannelli e Associati for tax aspects, and Giliberti Triscornia e Associati for legal and labour matters. ERM oversaw the ESG and HSE due diligence, while Bain & Company conducted the commercial analysis. The selling shareholders were advised by Minerva Corporate Finance as exclusive advisor, with legal support from Marchionni & Partners.