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.
Damen Yachting has announced the grand reveal of the Amels 6007, the seventh yacht in the Amels 60 series. The unveiling took place at their shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the build process. The Amels 60 Limited Editions design is developed by Espen Øino International.Chris Callahan from Moran Yacht & Ship, representing the owner, expressed excitement about reaching this stage and praised the incorporation of personal touches into the yacht. He noted that many customizations and improvements implemented in previous builds, such as ENTOURAGE (Hull 6002), have been carried over to the Amels 6007.The interior of the Amels 6007 has been designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's first collaboration with Amels. The design reflects a contemporary and welcoming style, inspired by beach house luxury, with natural materials and detailed finishes creating a warm and tactile environment.Joppe Osté, Damen Yachting Project Manager for the Amels 60, emphasized the team's pride in achieving this milestone and their focus on completing the final build phase to ensure the yacht is ready for its intended lifetime at sea. Following the launch, the Amels 6007 will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner in early summer 2025.A guest capacity of Amels 6007 is 12 people, a crew capacity of 12 members plus the Captain, a gross tonnage is 853 GT.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
February 21, 2025
Turquoise Yachts has partnered with the renowned British design studio Bannenberg & Rowell to introduce a duo of superyacht concepts, measuring 65 and 80 meters, named Above and Beyond, respectively. The 65-meter Above is the first of the two concepts to hit the market, while the upcoming 80-meter Beyond is set to begin construction on speculation later this year. One standout feature of the designs is the crow's nest, creatively envisioned as a custom platform-elevator that ascends the mast’s height.Central to the design ethos is the efficient layout of the main deck, which seamlessly connects six guest cabins to the main saloon and dining areas. The spacious salon flows into the aft main deck, which features a large lounge alongside a stunning glass-bottom pool that allows sunlight to permeate the beach club below.The beach club offers extensive wellness amenities, including a sauna, steam shower, massage room, and a fully equipped gym with a balcony. Additionally, a lounge area with a bar, seating, and dual balconies enhances the onboard leisure experience.Crew efficiency was a key factor in the design of Above, featuring well-thought-out configurations across decks, including generous pantries and a commercial-grade galley equipped with a walk-in freezer. Crew amenities also encompass dedicated laundry facilities, a gym, and a spacious mess area.The 65-meter and 80-meter projects will be available as new construction opportunities exclusively with Denison Yachting.Turquoise was established in 1997 by two leaders of the Turkish boat building industry: Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. After launching the 50m M/Y Turquoise (now called Double Trouble), 20 other megayachts ranging from 40m to 77m in length have since been delivered to an international roster of clients from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Credits: Denison Yachting
February 21, 2025
Riva Classiche will make a striking appearance at The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, a prestigious event dedicated to classic and vintage automobiles, held on February 21 and 22 against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake in the Engadin valley. Known for its mission to restore and preserve vintage powerboats, Riva Classiche will showcase a beautifully restored Riva Olympic boat, elegantly displayed on the ice.The I.C.E. St. Moritz International Concours of Elegance is a celebrated gathering for collectors and aficionados of classic cars, blending art, style, and heritage in a unique winter setting. Each year, the event draws participants from around the globe, and this edition promises to be no exception, emphasizing the intersection of culture and classic automotive excellence.Riva Classiche will not only present its iconic boat but will also create a luxurious Riva Lounge at the Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz. This exclusive space will encapsulate the essence of the Riva brand, featuring a selection of collectibles and accessories from Riva Boutique, all while immersing visitors in the brand’s timeless elegance.With its participation in The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, Riva Classiche reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the rich heritage of classic craftsmanship, making this event a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage powerboats and the art of fine living in the Swiss Alps.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: Ferretti Group
February 21, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa recently unveiled the stunning interiors of the new Akhir 44 at the Dubai International Boat Show, a key event in the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. Collaborating with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the design showcases a striking contrast between warm materials, such as bleached oak, and sleek metal finishes, providing the yacht with a sporty yet technological aesthetic.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, emphasized the innovative approach behind this model: “The Akhir 44 is the first in a new series crafted from carbon and glass composite, reaching a remarkable top speed of 35 knots. This yacht marries the iconic lines of our original range with current market needs.” He noted that the interiors are designed for exceptional livability, catering to cosmopolitan owners who appreciate both luxury and functionality.Pulina Exclusive Interiors, founded by Alessandro Pulina, is renowned for its high-end designs across multiple sectors, including yachts, private residences, and hotels. “Our design blends energy in motion with spatial harmony,” Pulina explained. “The contrast of warm and cool materials, paired with a fresh neutral color palette, enhances the interiors’ livability while promoting a sense of openness.”Measuring 44 meters in length with a beam of 8.6 meters, Akhir 44 features an innovative layout emphasizing symmetry and fluidity. The main deck prioritizes guest comfort, with a spacious saloon and an adaptable dining area that can transform using sliding panels. An eye-catching floating staircase, crafted from metal and glass, serves as both a functional feature and an artistic centerpiece.Offering four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with extensive glazing, the yacht ensures maximum privacy while enhancing the connection to the surrounding water. With three powerful 2,600 HP MTU engines, the Akhir 44 promises an exhilarating experience at an average speed of 30 knots, making it a formidable presence on the water.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
February 21, 2025
The stunning 52-meter Sanlorenzo motor yacht Seven Sins has officially been listed for sale by Virginia Di Antonio of Yachting Partners International (YPI). Currently listed at EUR28,000,000, Seven Sins is situated in the Caribbean. As the inaugural vessel in the esteemed 52 Steel series from Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, this yacht was delivered in 2017 and has captured attention for its exceptional design by Officina Italiana Design. Seven Sins was honored with a prestigious Neptune award at the 2018 World Superyacht Awards.This listing marks the yacht's second appearance on the market since its initial launch, previously sold as part of a co-ownership arrangement via SeaNet Europe, making her one of the largest superyachts to have two owners.One of the standout features of Seven Sins is its expansive beach club area, complete with a striking glass-bottom swimming pool. This versatile space also includes fold-out balconies, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna. When not in use, the beach club can easily transform into a floodable drive-in tender garage, offering both convenience and functionality.Seven Sins accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins, which include a master suite, two doubles, and two twin rooms. The sundeck is another highlight and is likely to become the preferred outdoor gathering spot for guests. Equipped with stylish furniture from Paola Lenti, it features an array of sun loungers at the aft, comfortable seating arrangements around coffee tables, a dining table that accommodates 12, and an impressive bar dressed in silver-flecked granite that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Seven Sins enjoys popularity as a charter yacht and is also available for charter through YPI.The yacht is powered by two 2000hp Caterpillar 3512-C diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and an impressive cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at a speed of 11 knots.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: YPI
February 20, 2025