Ipswich: Yacht company Oyster Marine takes over fit-out operation

E C Landamore & Co, based at Hoveton, near Wroxham, in Norfolk, has been providing fit-out services to Ipswich-based Oyster for nearly 40 years, but the team involved in the work will now become part of the Suffolk business.

The deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, will see the dedicated Oyster production facilities in Norfolk transfer to the Oyster group, along with its team of around 70 employees.

David Tydeman, chief executive at Oyster, said: “I am delighted that Anthony Landamore and I have reached this agreement and that Oyster can plan an investment in production in Wroxham, securing jobs in the community.

“This has been made possible by the enthusiasm and strategic support of our new shareholders, HTP Investments, who acquired Oyster earlier this year.

“During the rest of this year, Oyster will now rebalance the order book and work loads across the range, focusing production of the larger models in the Oyster fleet at our wholly-owned facility in Southampton, and the smaller models at what is now our wholly-owned operation in Wroxham alongside our existing sub-contractors.”

Mr Tydeman added: “I’m pleased that Anthony Landamore has agreed to stay with the business to help with the transition.

“This investment also allows Oyster to develop our custom and refit operation, Southampton Yacht Services, and take the next steps in the superyacht market, developing on the significant success of our partnership with RMK on the Oyster 100 and 125 superyachts, and our history of refitting classic and superyachts at Southampton Yacht Services.”

Mr Landamore said: “This transfer, of what has historically been more than 90% of E C Landamore’s business for most of the 40 years we have been building Oyster yachts, is a great endorsement by Oyster that they value the people and the internationally renowned craftsmanship we have here in Norfolk and I’m very pleased to be part of this new investment by Oyster.”