Milestone transaction brings together leading players in ocean science

Satlink, the global leader in proprietary ocean technology solutions, has integrated nke Group, a French company with over 40 years of experience in providing innovative end-to-end custom manufacturing instruments for both water quality measurement and monitoring in oceans and fresh waters, and navigation. Headquartered in Hennebont, France, nke is a key partner to thousands of private and public customers across the world. 

This transaction brings together two of the most established players in the sector and stands as one of the most significant milestones in the ocean tech industry in recent years, creating the largest independent European ocean tech platform. 

Present in more than 130 countries, with 13 offices across Europe, the Americas and Asia, and a global network of local partners, Satlink serves over 10,000 organisations - including governments, research institutions, industry partners, and NGOs – and will reach €100 million sales in 2025, consolidating its position as a worldwide reference in maritime technologies. 

With this combination, Satlink further accelerates the development of data-collection and analysis solutions, enabling a better understanding and management of the oceans and their resources, ensuring their long-term sustainability. nke complements these capabilities with its renowned technological expertise in water monitoring, including major contributions to the Argo program, among others. Together, Satlink and nke create a unique platform that combines world-class instrumentation with advanced data analysis, integrated science-based and proprietary solutions to better understand, protect, and manage the oceans’ resources. 

nke will continue to operate under its own brand, preserving its identity and trusted customer relationships. nke’s leadership team will remain unchanged, ensuring business continuity and preserving the company’s DNA. The integration also includes Aquaread, a UK-based manufacturer of portable and fixed water quality monitoring instruments and part of nke, which expands Satlink Group’s reach into inland and coastal water monitoring. The CEO of nke, Mr. Alain Boschet, will invest in the Satlink Group alongside the existing shareholders, namely Apheon, Artá Capital, Mr Faustino Velasco and the rest of the Satlink management team. 

Faustino Velasco, Founder and Executive Chairman of Satlink, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the entire nke team, with whom we partner to further accelerate our innovation capabilities, expand our portfolio of solutions, and ultimately improve ocean knowledge and sustainability through proprietary technology. The integration strengthens our global reach and, most importantly, onboards an extraordinary team that shares our values and ambition to make a difference". 

Alain Boschet, CEO of nke, added: “Joining forces with Satlink represents a unique opportunity to accelerate growth and expand our international presence while further enhancing our R&D capabilities. We are confident that this step will bring nke to the next level and are very excited with this new chapter alongside Faustino and the overall team.”