Fox’s Marina & Boatyard in Ipswich, Suffolk, has been acquired by Morgan Marine, leading to the formation of a newly established business entity known as Morgans Group. The transaction was announced as Fox’s approaches its 99th year in operation and applies to its marina, boatyard and chandlery activities on the east coast of England.
The Ipswich facility occupies a 15-acre site on the River Orwell and operates as an independently run marina and boatyard. It provides 100 pontoon berths and supports vessels of up to 25 metres in length.
Ashore, the facility has storage capacity for more than 200 vessels and offers refit, repair and maintenance work through in-house departments. Boat handling is supported by 50 and 70-tonne travel hoists. The marina is also home to what is described as the largest chandlery on the east coast.
Following the acquisition, Fox’s Marina & Boatyard will continue trading under its existing name, with prices and operations unchanged. The current management team remains in place, led by managing director Will Taylor-Jones, with financial management by Mark Underwood. Richard Matthews continues as non-executive chairman as the business approaches its centenary in 2027.
The deal brings Fox’s together with Morgan Marine, a marine leisure business based in Brightlingsea, Essex. Morgan Marine provides boat sales, engineering, boatyard services and chandlery support, and works with brands including Jeanneau, Nimbus, Highfield, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Mercury.
Under Morgans Group, the two businesses will operate within the same group structure while continuing their existing activities, with Fox’s focused on refit and repair and Morgan Marine on sales and engineering.
Commenting on the transaction, Matthews said: “As the owner of Fox’s for over 40 years, I am delighted to pass the business to new, committed owners who have made such a success of their Morgan Marine business. The acquisition secures Fox’s future as the premier yacht service yard on the east coast and one of the finest facilities of its kind in the UK.”
Graham Miller, CEO of Morgans Group, said: “Growing force joins an established powerhouse! Throughout our ownership of Morgan Marine, we have recognised the importance of constant evolution. In Fox’s we have a tremendous group of people who have earned the finest reputation in their field. We look forward to meeting everyone at Fox’s, and being part of an ongoing success story.”
