Amercia’s Cup skipper Dean Barker and business partner Richard Macalister, owners of Kiwi Yachting Consultants in New Zealand, have acquired Swedish marine electronics manufacturer Nexus Marine AB for an undisclosed sum, reports IBI magazine.

The deal was struck through their investment arm, Barmac Holdings, with the balance of shares being held by Layline AB, an investment company owned by Jan Silfven and Jonas Magnér ? both of whom hold senior management roles at Nexus Marine.

According to a company statement, Nexus offers the right ethos and mix of products, excellent R&D and a strong customer service arm. Kiwi Yachting Consultants will be responsible for distribution in the Southern Hemisphere and sales in New Zealand, allowing the company to invest in improved distribution practices that will benefit all the companies that it represents.

“We are really excited to welcome Barker and Macalister to Nexus Marine,” says sales & marketing director Jonas Magner. “With their guidance and experience we are immediately adding extra impact to everything we do from now on. The extra credibility for this heritage brand and an even sharper focus on product design and development aimed at the very top end of yacht racing, something we’re already very good at… means we can only do it better.”

Nexus, which was created following its de-merger from the Silva Group in 2006, designs and manufactures navigation equipment for the leisure marine market and is particularly well-known for its sailing instrumentation systems and VHF radios. It also supplies binoculars, accessories and Silva branded marine compasses.

Nexus chairman Tony Kent will be retiring from his role, having led the company through its transition from the Silva Group to Nexus Marine. He will be replaced by general manager Greg Franc de Ferriere, a former employee at Kiwi Yachting Consultants.