Satlink Acquires NKE: A New Era for Maritime Technology
Hennebont-based NKE, renowned for its innovative marine instrumentation, from navigation systems to autopilots, is now part of Satlink, a specialist in oceanic technology solutions. NKE was notably the first to integrate a gyrometer into an autopilot. Beyond serving thousands of recreational and professional boaters globally, NKE, under the names NKE Instrumentation and Aquaread, is also involved in developing instruments for measuring and monitoring water quality.
Satlink, providing technological solutions for oceans, caters to over 10,000 organizations, including research institutes, governments, NGOs, and industrial partners, across more than 130 countries with 280 employees across 13 sites in Europe, America, and Asia. Following the acquisition, the Satlink group anticipates a turnover of €100 million in 2025.
A Merger for Maritime Technology Advancement
This partnership marks a significant step for the oceanic technology industry, creating the largest European group dedicated to this field. Satlink aims to gather and analyze extensive data for a more precise understanding and sustainable management of oceans and their resources. NKE’s expertise in water quality monitoring provides Satlink with crucial scientific data to better understand, protect, and manage ocean resources.
Who is Satlink?
Founded in 1992 by Faustino Velasco, Satlink specializes in developing patented, high-value-added solutions for the maritime sector, focusing on sustainable management and knowledge of ocean resources. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, with over 180 employees, the group has offices in Spain, Canada, Seychelles, Ecuador, the United States, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Korea, and Taiwan, collaborating with local partners worldwide.
Faustino Velasco, founder and executive chairman of Satlink, stated:
“We are delighted to welcome the entire NKE team, with whom we are joining forces to strengthen our innovation capabilities, enrich our portfolio of solutions and, ultimately, improve the knowledge and sustainability of the oceans through cutting-edge technology. This integration strengthens our global presence and, above all, allows us to welcome an exceptional team that shares our values and our ambition to make a real difference.”
NKE: A Familiar Name to Boaters
Established in 1984, NKE Group designs, manufactures, and markets instruments for measuring and monitoring water quality in aquatic environments (oceans and fresh water), as well as navigation instruments. The company has 90 employees and is headquartered in Hennebont, Brittany. NKE has international subsidiaries in France, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The acquisition also includes Aquaread, NKE’s UK subsidiary specializing in water quality measurement and monitoring. Integrated into NKE in 2023, it will enable the Satlink group to extend its reach to coastal environments.
The NKE Product Range
One of NKE’s first products was the autopilot, featuring a gyropilot for precise course maintenance, suitable for both recreational boats and racing multihulls. This experience led to new products, including a remote control acting as a man-overboard device, a navigation system with displays including the multigraphic offering a 160° viewing angle, a chart plotter, an AIS, and a wide range of sensors: wind vane anemometer, barometer, mast angle, electronic compass, GPS, log speedometer, battery controller, etc. The instrumentation range covers virtually all onboard navigation electronics needs. NKE collaborates with shipyards, racers, and ocean racers to develop its products.
Reassurance for NKE Customers
Following the announcement of the acquisition, concerns arose regarding the future of NKE in the boating sector and the impact on boaters using NKE instrumentation. Alain Boschet, president of NKE, clarified:
“NKE will continue its activities under its own brand, in order to preserve its identity and the relationships of trust built with its customers over the years. Its management remains unchanged, guaranteeing the continuity of operations and loyalty to the company’s DNA. Our alliance with Satlink represents a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth and expand our international presence while strengthening our R&D capabilities. We are convinced that this step will allow NKE to shift into high gear.”
In short, boaters using NKE instrumentation can rest assured that this partnership is technically positive. In an era of rapid technological advancement, it is preferable to have instrumentation from a brand that develops products rather than one that relies on existing ones.
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