The Swedish Viken Group has acquired the Italian yacht designer and naval architect company HotLab.
This purchase was the latest in a series of partnerships and acquisitions aimed at strengthening Viken’s design, naval architecture and project management services offering to both the cruise and yachting sectors, the company said.
Formed earlier this year, the Viken Group was founded by Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) to provide expertise in multiple targeted areas of yacht and cruise ship design and newbuildings.
HotLab was founded in Milan in 2004 and is claimed to have an intelligent yet simple approach to design, which relies heavily on calculated research and a balance between functional style and luxury.
The company will now join TDoS and the Italian design and naval architect firm, Thalia Marine under the Viken Group umbrella. This collaboration will facilitate cost efficient, customised service with a production process for each client, the Group said.
HotLab will maintain its offices and employees in Milan with founders Enrico Lumini and Antonio Romano at their head.
“We have always focused on the quality of our design and on the professionalism of the entire HotLab team. As a proud extension of the Viken Group family, we can only increase both,” said Design Manager, Lumini.
“Becoming part of the Viken Group is something that makes us extremely proud. It is but one more demonstration of our accomplishments to date and the promise of the development of even greater projects in the future,” added Marketing Manager, Romano.
“We are thrilled to welcome HotLab and its employees to Viken Group. HotLab’s ‘Architecture for Voyage’ approach is a welcome addition to our Group’s global offerings, which also comprise TDoS’ expertise in comprehensive cruise ship and large yacht design and Thalia Marine’s technical brilliance.
“We are well on our way to realising our vision to be better together for our employees and our clients, while striving for our overall goal of a better tomorrow,” said Viken Group CEO, Stefan Nilsson.
“This acquisition allows TDoS to maintain its focus on cruise ships and large yachts, while continuing to hone its expertise in large ship back-of-house operations, meeting SOLAS regulations and cost effective design solutions.
“We are well versed in the design and management of large projects and routinely co-ordinate with a variety of experts in multiple areas, from lighting to naval architecture, to ensure the best possible product for the end users.
“Viken Group’s strategic co-ordination allows TDoS to continue our exploration and expansion of sustainable design within the simplistic and natural approach that is inherent to our Scandinavian design heritage,” commented Daniel Nerhagen, TDoS Yacht Director.
“The acquisition of HotLab will both enrich and strengthen our cruise business hall. Collaboration between TDoS and HotLab will infuse the DNA of private luxury yacht design into cruise ships, thereby facilitating the design of super luxurious and efficient cruise ships.
“At the same time, our yacht brand will benefit from the commercial knowledge that we have from decades of experience in the cruise segment,” concluded TDoS CEO, Madelene Hall.
