Topbond Plc Group has announced its acquisition of Southampton, UK- based workboat builder Meercat Boats ltd. in a deal finalised during the IJUBOA AGM in Palma, Majorca in May.

The Meercat range of vessels has increased considerably during the last 18 months with its latest first of class 18m workboat Marjorie being delivered to BK Marine in the Shetland Islands earlier this year. Boasting an incredible array of equipment including an 85 ton deckload and over 12 ton bollard pull.

Commonly known for their road transportable vessels which offer an effective solution to the problems of fast access and mobilisation to difficult locations often far from the coast, Meercat's versatile single and multi-hulled workboats have been sold around the world, and the new ranges allow even more options to their clients

The new range of vessels include Landing craft, such as the 22m currently in build, oil spill response and the ability to build up to 24 metres in length puts Meercat Boats in a very good position within the market place.

With a new finance facility in place and options for part exchange on certain vessels Meercat Boats has opened up the possibilities for easier methods to purchase its vessels. Stock vessels will soon be in build alongside the current build of a new 15m for a company in Scotland and the 22m Landing craft. This will also offer a quicker build for clients or give an option to lease while their vessel is being constructed.

Meercat's large well-equipped workshops at Hythe, Southampton have direct access to the water and an on-site 1000 tonne ship lift. The company offers an in-house design facility and all its welders are fully coded and trained. Other facilities include; 2 x 15 tonne gantry cranes, plasma cutting table, Aluminium welding bay, Spray Booth and Machine shop.