Novi Partners has completed the acquisition of Atlantas Marine Ltd, an established subsea inspection specialist headquartered in Yeovil, from its founder Charlie Foll. The transaction was finalised on 2 October 2026, with the financial details remaining undisclosed.
Established in 2000, Atlantas Marine has developed an international presence, delivering services across five continents and operating in a range of high-growth sectors. Its specialist offering includes underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspections, equipment sales, training and aftercare, supporting major customers across offshore renewables, oil and gas, security, police, nuclear and utilities.
Following a search for a suitable successor to take the business forward, Foll selected Novi Partners as the company’s new owner. The acquisition will see Atlantas Marine continue to operate under its existing name, with its full workforce remaining in place at the Yeovil headquarters. Novi Partners founders Josh Neely and Ben Saward have taken on the roles of joint Managing Directors, overseeing daily operations alongside the company’s existing senior leadership team.
Foll will assist with the transition over the coming months, helping to establish relationships between the new management and the customers and suppliers he has worked with throughout his time at the company. He will remain involved in the business until the end of December 2026, supporting the handover before his retirement.
Looking ahead, Novi Partners has outlined plans to strengthen Atlantas Marine’s capabilities through investment in its fleet, proprietary technology and data infrastructure, with the aim of supporting the company’s continued development and growth.
Reflecting on the transition and his decision to step away from the business, Foll said, “After 26 years at Atlantas Marine and eight years prior with TSS and Seatex, I have decided to retire from a fabulous industry. I am delighted to hand over the reins to Ben and Josh, and I have every confidence that the company will continue to grow and thrive under their leadership.”
Neely and Saward also commented on their plans for the business, highlighting the strengths they see in the company and their commitment to building on its existing foundations. They said, “Over the past several months working with Charlie, we have come to admire Atlantas Marine: a world-class team, enduring customer relationships, and proprietary technology that leads its field. Our focus is continuity, backed by long-term investment to drive growth. We thank Charlie for the remarkable business he has built and the trust he has placed in us as new owners.”
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