Solent’s MarineGuard acquires EPIC POB

By Sam Pither

12 July 2022

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Southampton-based superyacht security systems provider MarineGuard has acquired the Scottish offshore/onshore personnel tracking and mustering firm EPIC.

The firm hope that the move will help them target the oil & gas and renewable energy sectors with products to improve their health and safety compliance for personnel safety and security.

MarineGuard’s founder and CEO, Richard Webb, said: “Having established ourselves as the leading provider of security systems on the world’s largest private superyachts we were looking for exciting new markets that we felt could benefit from the expertise we hold

“Having been introduced to Ian and the work they do at EPIC it was remarkable to see the core product similarities despite the differences in end application, the more we talked the more evident it became that the two businesses could benefit one another

“We are very excited for the next phase for both companies as we pool resources and industry knowledge to drive new business opportunities globally”

Southampton-based MarineGuard Systems Ltd designed, manufactured, and installed automated security systems on some of the world’s largest superyachts. They combine subsea, surface level and long-range technologies into a simplified graphical user interface.

Exploration and Production Information Company Ltd (EPIC) supply and support personnel tracking, offshore logistics, POB management, e-mustering and evacuation systems worldwide. EPIC export over 80 per cent and provide prefabricated software solutions for companies operating in Australia, Africa, Europe, North and South America.

With over 100 projects delivered globally, 25,000 offshore oil industry personnel tracked daily and over 30 million bridge/gangway movements recorded annually, EPIC are respected in the industry.

EPIC founding Managing Director, Ian Traquair added: “After 46 years in the offshore industry, it has been a privilege to work with so many talented personnel dedicated to looking after offshore personnel who work in difficult and many times, hostile offshore environments.

“The combined talents and experience of EPIC and MarineGuard staff will provide a solid base for growth and development meeting current and future innovative challenges”.

“Both companies are dynamic and innovative, and joining forces will diversify our combined customer base, provide technological and financial advantages to our customers as well as open up new career paths for staff, and boost our financial resilience as the global economy transitions.”

The transaction was completed on 5 July with the price and terms remaining undisclosed. EPIC was advised by CapEQ and Vialex; MarineGuard was advised by Prism Corporate Broking, BDB Pitmans (who have offices in Reading and Southampton) and RSM UK.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.