Sunseeker Worldwide — the British shipyard celebrated for its manufacturing of high-performance luxurious motor yachts — has been formally acquired by Faro Various Investments and the American funding agency Lionheart Capital. This strategic acquisition marks the tip of Sunseeker’s 11-year tenure underneath the possession of China’s Dalian Wanda Group.
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The acquisition was confirmed throughout a press convention on the Fort Lauderdale Worldwide Boat Present (FLIBS), the place the information had been anticipated for a number of months. Preliminary reviews urged an possession switch from Dalian Wanda to Lionheart Capital, with discussions of an Italian funding fund’s curiosity in Sunseeker first rising in April.
Faro Various Investments accomplished the acquisition by way of its Actual Economic system sub-fund, with advisory help from Orienta Capital Companions and backing from Lionheart Capital in a collaborative deal. The transfer is meant to underscore the corporate’s dedication to creating worth by way of a “distinctive community of experience and funding alternatives”.
Based mostly in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker has been a outstanding title in yacht manufacturing for over 50 years and is recognised globally as a pioneer within the luxurious yachting trade. The corporate reported roughly GDP 320 million in gross sales within the fiscal yr 2023, primarily from yachts starting from 15 to 50 metres. At present, Sunseeker boasts a powerful order e-book valued at round GDP 540 million (GDP 640 million) and is ready to increase its choices by creating high-end superyachts.
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On the helm of the newly shaped board is Giancarlo Galeone, who takes on the function of chairman for each Faro and Sunseeker. Galeone is a seasoned determine within the yachting trade, having beforehand served as CEO and vp of the Ferretti Group underneath Norberto Ferretti, and co-founding Anvera, a shipyard recognized for crafting luxurious RIBs. His intensive expertise is predicted to information Sunseeker towards formidable development targets whereas enhancing the shipyard’s British identification and craftsmanship.
“We’re excited to embark on this new journey with Sunseeker,” Galeone expressed, highlighting the potential for important funding in creating each core and area of interest yacht fashions. He emphasised the significance of sustaining the model’s roots whereas driving innovation and enlargement within the world market.
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Ophir Sternberg, the founder and CEO of Lionheart Capital and now co-owner of Sunseeker, additionally voiced his enthusiasm, stating, “Welcoming Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital household is a strategic funding in a model with a wealthy historical past and vibrant future. Our understanding of the posh yacht trade’s dynamics positions us to help Sunseeker’s development and innovation.”
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Beneath the brand new management, Sunseeker goals to uphold its legacy of crafting distinctive yachts that epitomise luxurious, efficiency, and innovation. Andrea Frabetti, the corporate’s CEO, expressed confidence sooner or later, asserting that the brand new possession construction will facilitate important development and permit Sunseeker to succeed in new heights whereas honouring the imaginative and prescient of its founders.
FARO Various Investments, a platform targeted on various investments, goals to leverage its world attain and diversified methods, primarily in personal fairness and enterprise capital. In the meantime, Orienta Capital Companions, with its experience in high-growth SMEs, will proceed to play a vital function in supporting the shipyard’s growth.
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