Brightlingsea-based Morgan Marine, which trades from the town’s Shipyard Estate, has purchased Fox’s marina, boatyard, and chandlery in Ipswich, forming the new Morgans Group.

Morgan Marine provides sales and service for a range of boat and engine brands, as well as boat storage and marina facilities. Fox’s, which marks its 100th anniversary in 2027,  operates as a full-service facility specialising in refit and repair for larger vessels. Both businesses run chandleries.

.While the two businesses will continue to trade under their existing names, with the same staff, the company says the new group will improve efficiency by creating a larger team of engineers, technicians and chandlery specialists, with shared workshops offering faster turnaround times.

Morgan’s bosses Graham and Oli Miller will head Fox’s management team as CEO and COO respectively, while owner Sir Richard Matthews – also the founder of the Oyster yacht building business –  will remain as non-executive chairman.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Fox’s into the Morgan Marine group. With its outstanding reputation, first-class facilities, and a loyal, highly skilled team, Fox’s is a natural fit for us,” said Oli Miller.

Sir Richard added: “As the owner Fox’s for over 40 years, I am delighted to pass the business to new, committed owners who have made such a such 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.”