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.
Heesen Yachts is thrilled to unveil the latest addition to its illustrious 55-meter Steel series, YN 20955 Project Agnetha. This exceptional blue-water motor yacht is built on a tried-and-tested design platform, offering owners the advantage of quick delivery just in time for the upcoming summer cruising season.Designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, Project Agnetha's sleek exterior boasts horizontal lines that enhance its length, while expansive tinted glass panels on the main and upper decks maximize natural light and frame panoramic ocean views. A signature "shark tooth" detail adorns the wheelhouse overhang, adding a touch of sophistication. Removing aft superstructure pillars creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering unobstructed vistas from every corner of the yacht.Powered by an efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) and twin MTU 4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) engines, Project Agnetha achieves a top speed of 15.5 knots while maintaining exceptional stability and efficiency. This pairing ensures low fuel consumption across varying speeds, making it ideally suited for diverse cruising routes.Interior design by Luca Dini Design and Architecture provides a blank canvas for personalization. Inspired by Shakespeare's As You Like It, the interiors showcase light wood veneers and subtle metallic accents, inviting owners to infuse their own tastes. The yacht comfortably accommodates twelve guests across six staterooms, including an opulent 86 sqm owner's suite featuring a lounge, study, walk-in closet, and private terrace. Four guest staterooms are located on the lower deck, with a VIP suite on the bridge deck.Silvia Margutti and Luca Dini, Luca Dini Design and Architecture. Ph. Viola BerlandaLead architect Silvia Margutti explains, "For clients purchasing a speculative yacht like Agnetha, there's immense potential for customization despite the fixed layout. We've created multiple interior concepts showcasing various lighting schemes, furnishings, and decorative elements, demonstrating how a near-complete interior can still be tailored to meet specific preferences."Built on a well-established platform, Project Agnetha minimizes technical risks, enabling owners to focus on enjoying memorable moments with loved ones. While rooted in a proven framework, the yacht maintains its uniqueness through the creative collaboration between Heesen and Luca Dini, resulting in a highly personalized and functional space.Ruud van der Stroom, CCO Heesen Yachts. Ph. Paolo Ciaberta"Heesen's Project Agnetha presents a rare opportunity," remarks Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen's CCO. "It's the sole 55-metre steel yacht of Dutch pedigree available for rapid delivery, constructed on a dependable platform primed for customization. This combination of reliability, style, and versatility ensures that Agnetha is not only a beautiful vessel but also a ready-made home away from home for summer escapades."Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts
March 28, 2025
Mangusta Yachts announced the launch of the fourth unit in the acclaimed Mangusta Oceano 44 series, on March 8, 2025 – International Women's Day. This date perfectly encapsulates the yacht's essence: graceful yet powerful, embodying a perfect fusion of classic yachting heritage and cutting-edge innovation.A part of Mangusta's esteemed long-range lineup, the Mangusta Oceano 44 stands out as a modern-day floating sanctuary. With its robust steel hull and lightweight aluminum superstructure, this vessel effortlessly blends durability with style. Large panoramic windows invite passengers to revel in breathtaking views, transforming traditional yachting into an entirely fresh experience.Equipped with zero-speed and underway electric stabilizers, the yacht ensures utmost comfort, even during extended voyages. Her impressive range of 4,500 nautical miles, coupled with a top speed of 15.5 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 11 knots, makes her ideal for both leisurely cruises and long-distance adventures.Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Mangusta Oceano 44 embodies Mangusta's unwavering commitment to excellence. Inside, a harmonious blend of fine woods and marble creates a sophisticated, minimalistic aesthetic. The abundant glass surfaces allow light to flood the interior, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.The master suite serves as a private oasis, offering unobstructed ocean vistas and exquisite finishes. Each cabin mirrors the yacht's overall design language, ensuring consistency and elegance throughout.Outdoor areas are equally remarkable, featuring a generous 104-square-meter sundeck and a versatile beach club that transforms into a wraparound platform when the transom opens. Forward, the wheelhouse boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, guaranteeing optimal visibility and smooth sailing.This particular unit was commissioned by a European client and will soon ply the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The success of this project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Overmarine Group, P.L.A.N.A. Design, and Alberto Mancini, along with the custom interior work of Gianluca Sist from H2 design studio.Gaston Lees-Buckley of Camper & Nicholsons oversaw the construction process, contributing significantly to the yacht's realization. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
March 28, 2025
Ulyssia Residences AG recently unveiled updates about their ambitious 320-meter residential superyacht project during the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Developed in partnership with renowned designer Espen Øino and shipbuilder Meyer Werft, this floating community promises a unique lifestyle experience. Scheduled to begin construction in September, the vessel is set to launch in 2029.Designed to provide a seamless journey between iconic cities and secluded natural havens, the superyacht aims to foster a vibrant, close-knit community. With nearly half of the available units already sold, the project emphasizes exclusivity and shared ownership, allowing residents to enjoy tailored experiences while owning a piece of the vessel itself.Founder and Chairman Frank Binder’s vision draws inspiration from his lifelong passion for maritime living. His idea evolved from admiring The World, another residential cruise ship, leading him to envision a space where travelers could truly call the sea their home. As the first buyer aboard Ulyssia, Binder has personally invested in bringing this dream to reality.Featuring 133 spacious residences and 22 guest suites, Ulyssia offers accommodations ranging from cozy one-bedrooms to expansive six-bedroom layouts, complete with state-of-the-art amenities. Customizable interiors by FM Architettura.Beyond luxury, Ulyssia prioritizes health and education. Onboard facilities include a comprehensive wellness center managed by Swiss firm Chenot, advanced medical services, and opportunities for homeschooling and cultural enrichment. These offerings are enhanced by partnerships with EYOS Expeditions, ensuring access to immersive expeditions worldwide.With sustainability at its core, Ulyssia incorporates eco-friendly technologies like hybrid propulsion, solar power, and advanced energy recovery systems. Its innovative design allows navigation through diverse waterways, including the Amazon River and the Panama Canal, without compromising environmental impact.As Chief Operating Officer Renato W. Chizzola notes, Ulyssia defies categorization – it is simultaneously a luxury hotel, remote resort, and exclusive club. Credits: Ulyssia
March 28, 2025
Heesen Yachts announced the delivery of YN 20555, the 55-meter steel yacht named Serena, marking the first delivery of 2025. Managed by Arcon Yachts Monaco, Serena exemplifies the fruitful collaboration between the two companies, blending precision engineering with bespoke design.Rick van de Wetering, Chief Operations Officer at Heesen Yachts, expressed delight with the delivery, stating, "We are pleased with the first yacht of 2025, a successful project with Arcon Yachts Monaco. Their expertise ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Serena stands out as a unique blend of superyacht excellence and personal customization, built on a proven platform for reliability."Construction of Serena began in spring 2022, with the experienced owners playing an active role from the outset, working closely with Heesen engineers and the design team led by Luca Dini. The objective was to create a homely and relaxing interior, suitable for extended stays on board. Careful attention was given to seating arrangements and material selections, ensuring that every area promotes relaxation.Serena is equipped with a steel ultra-efficient, fast displacement hull form (FDHF), providing a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots and a top speed of 15.5 knots, thanks to two MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines (IMO Tier III). Designed by Omega Architects, the exterior complements the interior vision of Luca Dini, offering accommodation for 12 guests across five staterooms.Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts Monaco noted, "We have refined the yacht with the owner, enhancing an already superb design. By incorporating windows into the beach club to create a serene sauna and relaxation zone, and making subtle changes throughout, we have tailored it to the owner's wishes. The result is a stylish and practical design that everyone should admire."The yacht's interior spaces include a main saloon divided into three areas, with a fully-equipped bar ensuring a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The Sky Lounge acts as the social hub, featuring a custom games table and comfortable seating for entertainment. The beach club, lit naturally by glass portholes, is styled as a waterside retreat, while the sauna, adorned with elegant wood finishes, adds to the yacht's charm. The 110-square-meter sun deck provides versatile furniture arrangements and a forward seating area to enjoy the views.The owner’s quarters on the main deck include a lounge, office space, and a luxurious full-beam cabin with a private veranda. The lower deck features four guest staterooms with unique marble details in their en-suite bathrooms. Serena also boasts a gym on the bridge deck, which can be easily retrofitted into an additional cabin if desired.Bob van Zundert, shipyard captain, praised Serena’s handling, saying, "She handles impressively considering her size—760 GT of internal volume. Yet, she responds well to commands and offers comfort and stability akin to an aluminum vessel, with the maneuverability of her aluminum counterparts. Our 55m series instills confidence and reassurance in captains navigating the seas."Serena sets the tone for an exciting lineup of yachts to be delivered in 2025, heralding a remarkable year in the luxury yachting industry.Credits: Heesen Yachts
March 27, 2025
The Monaco Yacht Show is solidifying its position as a platform for industry progress by launching Blue Wake, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the visibility of environmentally sustainable solutions across the event. Beginning with the 2025 edition, MYS will integrate innovations with stronger eco-responsibility, reflecting the industry's commitment to a more sustainable future.Building on the success of the Sustainability Hub, introduced in 2022, MYS recognizes the growing importance of sustainability as a core industry focus. The launch of Blue Wake represents a natural evolution of MYS's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability in yachting.Blue Wake will spotlight companies whose solutions meet rigorous environmental sustainability criteria. Approved exhibitors will receive prominent visibility throughout the show, enabling engagement with key stakeholders, including yacht owners, builders, investors, and industry leaders. As with the Sustainability Hub, the Water Revolution Foundation will continue to support MYS in identifying impactful solutions that contribute to genuine progress in the industry.Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, notes, "Sustainability has become an essential driver of innovation in yachting, and our role at MYS is to provide a platform where these advancements can gain the recognition they deserve. With Blue Wake, we are reinforcing this commitment by ensuring that sustainability is an integral part of the event experience, engaging all stakeholders in meaningful discussions about the future of our industry."Robert van Tol, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation, emphasizes, "This initiative is about more than visibility—it’s about credibility. Through a rigorous vetting process, we are ensuring that the solutions presented under Blue Wake genuinely contribute to making the yachting industry more sustainable. It's an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment and for the industry to continue its progress toward a more responsible future."While specific exhibitors and solutions for the Blue Wake programme have yet to be confirmed for the 2025 edition, MYS encourages industry followers to stay tuned for updates as the event approaches.Credit: The Monaco Yacht Show
March 27, 2025