70% of companies in the yachting sector describe themselves as leading according to a study performed by Yacht Harbour on a sample of over 100 companies. It can therefore be hard for customers to differentiate at first glance the real financial position of companies and their scale.
Following a very active past 20 years in the mergers and acquisitions space in the yachting industry, some behemoths have emerged, controlling a large portion of the market and shaping the industry moving forward. Some high-profile individuals and corporations have also become involved in the superyacht industry in recent years. We have therefore investigated some of the most powerful corporations and individuals in the yachting space.
Dalian Wanda Group
Princess AVK
Annual revenue: $39.47 billion (2014)
Chairman & Founder: Wang Jianlin
Brands: Sunseeker
Largest commercial real estate operator in China and world's largest cinema chain operator, Wanda Group was founded in 1988 by Wang Jianlin. The company has today 634 billion yuans in assets and manages over 26 million square meters of hotel property. In 2013, the company decided to purchase UK-based yacht manufacturer, Sunseeker.
Having gone through losses of 9 million pounds in 2009, Sunseeker restructured its debt and was taken over by FL Partners, an Irish private equity company. Sunseeker was sold in 2013 to the Wanda Group for around 300 million pounds according to the Financial Times.
LVMH
Symphony - © Feadship Fanclub
Annual revenue: $35.6 billion (2015)
Chairman & CEO: Bernard Arnault
Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, better known as the French luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH, is perhaps not so surprisingly also a player in the superyacht industry. In 2008, L Capital, the company's investment arm, purchased Princess Yachts in a deal worth 200 million pounds according to Reuters, with support from the Calyon investment bank.
Later that year, the conglomerate strengthened their position in the company with the purchase of Royal Van Lent, part of the Feadship organization, for a reported sum between 200-400 million euros. In 2007, Royal Van Lent had posted sales of 100 million euros.
Gavio Group
Fast - © Baglietto
Annual turnaround: €2.2 billion (2012)
Gruppo Gavio, a large Italian corporation whose main business lies in motorway concessions with the company operating over 1400 kilometers of motorways in Italy, also has interests in the yachting industry. In 2012, Bejamino Gavio led an acquisition of the iconic Italian Baglietto shipyard for a sum of €18.5 million. The shipyard had been through some rough waters during the financial crisis resulting in 73 million euros of negative equity in 2009.
The group further consolidated its position in the sector by purchasing Cerri Cantieri Navali, a few months before the Baglietto deal, and by later acquiring US-based Bertram in 2015.
Privinvest Group
Siren © Yacht Harbour
Current owners: Akram & Iskandar Safa
Privinvest Group is one of Europe's largest maritime corporations which is involved in naval manufacturing and is also involved in the superyacht industry. Founded by the Safa brothers, Privinvest purchased Constructions mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) based in Cherbourg, France in 1992. The company then managed to turn around the fledging shipyard with new orders from the Middle East according to the Independent.
In 2007, the group funded 30% of the Abu Dhabi MAR company which ventured into shipbuilding through ADMShipyards and worked on the 141-meter Yas. In 2009, Privinvest continued to consolidate its position in the sector by acquiring German shipyard Nobiskrug.
Azimut-Benetti Group
I Dynasty © Superyachts Monaco
Maximum recorded asset net worth: €300 million (2011)
Current owner: Paolo Vitelli
Brands: Benetti, Azimut
Azimut was established in the early 1970s by Paolo Vitelli as a dealership of Amerglass boats. The company then evolved into yacht manufacturing by building its first 43ft boat. It later delivered Failaka, the first 30-metre fibreglass yacht ever built, to a Kuwaiti prince. In 1985, Azimut took over the Fratelli Benetti boatyard in Viareggio, setting the roots for the group. The company later started collaborating with young designer, Stefano Righini, which would bring the Azimut lines the company is known for today.
The company acquired the Gobbi shipyard in 2001 which now produced the group's Atlantis range from 10m to 18m. In 2004, the group acquired Fraser Yachts, a large yacht brokerage company. It later developed Marina di Varazze and the Royal Yacht Club in Moscow. By 2011, the group's net assets grew to €300 million according to this presentation with a turnover of €600 million, a significant cut on its €1 billion turnover in 2008 according to the Financial Times.
Ferretti Group
Chopi Chopi © Yacht Harbour
Maximum recorded value: €1.5 billion (2007)
Current owners: Weichai Group, Royal Bank of Scotland
Ferretti was established in 1968 as the first marine division of Alessandro and Norberto Ferretti's family business. In 1971, the company delivered its first wooden motor-sailer and by 1982 it began producing boats for sport fishing with a flybridge. By 1996, the group decided to expand into a larger range and set up Custom Line, a division meant to operate in the growing 26-40m range. In following years, the company multiplied acquisitions buying CNA in 1998, CRN in 1999, Riva in 2000, Mochi Craft in 2001 and Itama in 2004.
As the company was preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) after having been acquired in a leveraged buyout by Candover Investments which put the Group's value at €1.5 billion in 2007, the financial crisis led to a significant drop in sales. As a result, the Group had to restructure debt and its creditors, led by the Royal Bank of Scotland, converted a portion of their €1.2 billion debt into equity according to Bloomberg.
Ferretti Group was eventually sold to Weichai Group, a state-owned Chinese company, the largest maker of bulldozer's in China.
Vagit Alekperov
Galactica Super Nova - © Dick Holthius
Net worth: $11.1 billion (2016)
Brands: Heesen Yachts
Mr. Vagit Alekperov is currently considered to be Russia's 9th richest man according to Forbes. In May 2015 it became known that the head of Lukoil, Russia's largest independent oil company, is the current owner of Heesen.
In 2008, Mr. Alekperov purchased Heesen Yachts from founder, Frans Heesen, for a reported sum of 100 million euros. The shipyard posted profits of €5.2 million in 2013 according to Forbes Russia.
In March 2016, Heesen launched its newest flagship, the 70m Galactica Super Nova (Project Kometa) which was built for Mr. Alekperov according to Dutch publication, Quote.
Mohammed Al Barwani
Turquoise - © Ocean Independence
Net worth: $1.2 billion (2015)
Energy tycoon, Mohammed al-Barwani made his wealth investing in oil, gas, minerals and manufacturing. In 2010 he however decided to purchase Dutch shipyard, Oceanco from Greek shipping magnate, Theodore Angelopoulos. First company to build spa pools on superyachts, Oceanco has much benefited from the hands-on approach of Al Barnawi delivering the beautiful Nirvana for Russian billionaire Potanin as well as expanding its facility to be able to construct yachts up to 160 meters.
In December 2013, al-Barwani further consolidated his position in the industry, purchasing Turkish yacht manufacturer, Proteksan (now Turquoise Yachts), which was struggling following the highly publicized sinkage of M/Y Yogi.
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025
Finnish yacht builder Nautor Swan has detailed its development strategy following its acquisition by Sanlorenzo Group in 2024. The company is implementing a €35 million investment program between 2024-2027 focused on facility expansion and product development.Swan 73New infrastructure includes production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a Milan headquarters, and expanded offices in Monaco, Cannes, the United States, and Palma de Mallorca. The company unveiled two new sailing yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival: the Swan 51 performance cruiser and Swan 73 model, marking the brand's return to the 22-meter segment after two decades.Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan. Swan's future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy."Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati added: "We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan's product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth."Swan 51The expansion strategy includes strengthened North American presence with a potential operations site in Pensacola, Florida, and a confirmed ClubSwan 28 racing calendar for Newport and Pensacola in 2026. Globally, the company leverages Sanlorenzo's distribution network with new sales points in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Mediterranean locations, and Asia-Pacific markets.Swan 55The Swan 51 represents the smallest model in the performance cruiser line, incorporating design experience from over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019. The Swan 73, designed by German Frers, returns the brand to the 22-meter sailing yacht segment after 20 years.The company maintains six product lines across sailing and motor yacht categories, with continued emphasis on owner services including brokerage, charter operations, and global support networks. The ClubSwan organization continues coordinating racing events and owner gatherings worldwide, with expanded events planned following the Sanlorenzo investment.Credits: Nautor Swan
September 12, 2025
Greenline Yachts has revealed development of a new 12.8-meter model scheduled for launch in early 2026. The Greenline 42 will feature updated hull design by Micad enabling 30-knot maximum speed while maintaining twin 250hp standard propulsion.The design incorporates four additional solar panels on the coach roof, bringing total capacity to 4.1kW for hotel load operation and battery charging. The proprietary H-Drive 6G system manages hybrid functionality including silent electric maneuvering capabilities.Exterior and interior styling comes from Marco Casali, offering three interior themes based on honey teak or modern oak materials. Layout options include customizable cabin configurations, wardrobe arrangements, and bathroom facilities. The saloon features full-glass aft openings connecting to cockpit areas.CEO Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "When we do finally introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come."Designer Marco Casali noted the challenge of modernizing Greenline's established aesthetic while maintaining brand identity. The exterior profile connects design elements from larger Greenline models like the 58-foot version while incorporating contemporary features.The yacht will offer two distinct cockpit layouts with removable furniture options and improved foredeck lounge space. Technical enhancements include sliding galley windows for ventilation and helm station climate controls. The model represents Greenline's most customizable production to date according to company statements.Greenline continues production at its Slovenian facility, with the new model slotting between existing offerings in the brand's range. The company emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency across its product lines, with the Greenline 42 continuing this approach through solar supplementation and hybrid propulsion options.Greenline Yachts are crafted in Slovenia within the European Union. The shipyard adheres to the highest European quality standards and reduces environmental footprint, prioritizes the use of local materials and expertise. The craftsmanship is rooted in more than 50 years of experience in composite boatbuilding. Credits: Greenline Yachts
September 12, 2025
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025