PORTCHESTER-based maritime company Meercat Workboats Ltd has been bought by Britain’s largest independent ship repairer.

The firm has been acquired by Burgess Marine. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Meercat, which will retain its own name, builds custom road transportable multi-role workboats up to 18m in length.

With plans to expand, the company has appointed Jason Coltman, pictured left, as managing director.

Burgess Marine is already building two wind farm support vessels for Mainprize Offshore Ltd.

The company will complete these builds and then launch the two new vessels as Meercats.

Subject to berth availability, the aim is to exhibit the first of these two vessels at Seawork in 2015 in Southampton.

Nicholas Warren, Burgess Marine’s managing director, said: “The acquisition of Meercat is very much in line with our plans for longer-term strategic growth. Meercat builds boats, Burgess Marine repairs ships, and Trafalgar Yacht Management manages yachts.

“Our intent is to develop Meercat by gradually expanding the company’s product range and facilities.”

Burgess Marine is based in Dover and has facilities at Southampton, Portsmouth, Gosport and Portchester.