Saab buys boat builder Dockstavarvet

Swedish defense major Saab announced it has acquired combat boat producer N. Sundin Dockstavarvet AB and the repair shipyard Muskövarvet AB, strengthening its presence in the naval sector. 

Saab said the acquisition of the companies would become effective on December 29, 2017.

Dockstavarvet, based outside Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden, is a leading producer of aluminum boats.

The company was founded in 1905 and has during the three last decades been engaged in the development and production of advanced, high-speed combat and patrol boats for both military and civil applications. Dockstavarvet has delivered more than 200 units to date on three continents.

The boat builder’s most prominent product is the CB90-class fast assault craft with 18 of the units on order for the Swedish Amphibious Corps under a contract from July 2017.

Muskövarvet is a full service repair yard located at the naval base Muskö in the southern part of the Stockholm archipelago. Muskövarvet serves mainly the Swedish Navy amphibious forces.

“Through the acquisitions, Saab will strengthen its product portfolio within surface vessels as well as enhance its capacity for support and maintenance at the Muskö naval base. Saab’s global presence will also facilitate marketing and future exports for the Dockstavarvet products,” said Gunnar Wieslander, senior vice president and head of business area Kockums.

Dockstavarvet and Muskövarvet will be organised within Saab’s business area Kockums. Combined, the companies generate sales of approximately 250 MSEK (approx. US$300m) and have 80 employees, according to Saab.