Founder Charlie Foll retires after 26 years; the full team continues under new ownership in Yeovil.
Yeovil, Somerset – 05 November 2026. Novi Partners has acquired Atlantas Marine Ltd, the Yeovil-based subsea inspection specialist, from founder Charlie Foll. The deal completed on 2 October 2026; terms are not disclosed.
Founded by Charlie Foll in 2000, Atlantas Marine operates across five continents in high-growth markets, providing underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspection services, equipment sales, training, and product aftercare to blue-chip customers across offshore renewables, oil and gas, security, police, nuclear, and utilities.
After a careful search for the right successor, Charlie chose Novi Partners to own and run the business.
The full Atlantas Marine team will continue running the business under the same name from its Yeovil headquarters. Novi Partners’ founders, Josh Neely and Ben Saward, have joined as joint Managing Directors, based in Yeovil and responsible for running the company day-to-day alongside the established senior leadership team.
Over the coming months, Charlie will support a smooth handover by introducing Josh and Ben to the customers and suppliers he has worked with over many years. He will remain involved until the end of December 2026.
Novi Partners plans to invest in the fleet, the company’s own technology and its data capabilities to support growth.
“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.”
Charlie Foll, founder of Atlantas Marine
“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.”
Josh Neely and Ben Saward, joint Managing Directors, Atlantas Marine
About Atlantas Marine
Atlantas Marine (atlantasmarine.com) is a specialist provider of ROV inspection services, equipment sales, training and product aftercare, headquartered in Yeovil, Somerset. Its fleet of tethered inspection-class ROVs, supported by a global network of accredited pilots and inspection personnel, serves customers across offshore renewables, oil and gas, defence, police, nuclear, and utilities worldwide. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of VideoRay ROVs and also develops proprietary technology.
About Novi Partners
Novi Partners (novigp.com) is a UK succession vehicle, founded by Josh Neely and Ben Saward, to acquire and lead a high-quality, services-led SME for the long term, backed by an international group of institutional and experienced private investors.
Notes to editors
Novi Partners was advised by Shoosmiths (legal), Buzzacott (financial and tax due diligence), Altenburg Advisory (debt advisory) and Howden (insurance due diligence). Senior debt was provided by HSBC.
The sellers were advised by Bright Harbour (corporate finance) and Gardner Leader (legal).
Media enquiries: Jack Abbiss, 50DEGREES, on behalf of Atlantas Marine, +44 (0) 1935 509301