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Famous British Boat Builder Sunseeker Sold to US and Italian Private Equity Companies

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Sunseeker International has announced that it has been sold in a joint Italian and American purchase. MBY's editor, Hugo Andreae reports on the sale

British boat builder Sunseeker International has been bought by two different private equity companies – Lionheart Capital and Orienta Capital Partners. The two new shareholders have acquired the famous British brand for an undisclosed sum from former Chinese owners the Dalian Wanda Group.

Although Lionheart Capital is based in the US and Orienta Capital Partners is based in Italy, the new partnership has vowed to maintain Sunseeker as a British brand and boatbuilding powerhouse. Production will remain at the yard’s facilities in Poole, Dorset.

Current CEO, Andrea Fabretti, and Sunseeker’s board of directors will stay on for the time being under the auspices of new Sunseeker Chairman Giancarlo Galeone, one of Orienta Capital’s senior partners.

Galeone has extensive experience of the boat building industry having served as CEO of the Ferretti Group for two stints from 1995-2006 and again from 2011-2012. He was also appointed CEO of Italian performance boat builder Anvera Yacht in 2014, a role he still holds today.

Sunseeker’s new 94 Yacht is part of its ambitious programme of new product development

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“We are thrilled to start this new journey alongside Sunseeker. Our strong expertise in the yachting industry combined with our long-lasting relationship with its CEO will allow us to further enhance the British identity and craftsmanship, driving the brand towards ambitious goals,” said Galeone.

“We can expect a substantial investment into the development of new core and niche models, supporting the worldwide presence of the brand.”

Lionheart Capital is a Miami-based firm, whose main investments to date have focussed on the property sector. However, its founder and CEO Ophir Sternberg is a self-confessed boat enthusiast with a fondness for the maritime industry. Lionheart bought a share of American performance boat builder Cigarette Racing in 2021.

“We are excited to welcome Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family,” Sternberg commented. “This acquisition represents a strategic investment in a brand with a storied history, including as James Bond’s yacht maker, and a bright future.

“Lionheart understands the unique dynamics of the luxury yacht industry, and I am confident in Sunseeker’s potential for growth and innovation.”

Sunseeker CEO Andrea Fabrettio and sales director Sean Robertson welcomed the deal assuring Sunseeker’s 2,250 employees that it would help secure the future of the company and continue its ambitious programme of new product development. Foremost among these will be a new Manhattan 68 and 94 Yacht.

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Sunseeker Acquired by Faro Alternative Investments and Lionheart Capital

After 11 years under the Dalian Wanda Group, Sunseeker International has been acquired by Faro Alternative Investments and Lionheart Capital.

Sunseeker International — the British shipyard celebrated for its production of high-performance luxury motor yachts — has been officially acquired by Faro Alternative Investments and the American investment firm Lionheart Capital. This strategic acquisition marks the end of Sunseeker’s 11-year tenure under the ownership of China’s Dalian Wanda Group.

Read More: M&A: British Luxury Yacht Manufacture SUNSEEKER to be acquired by US Lionheart Capital

The acquisition was confirmed during a press conference at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), where the news had been anticipated for several months. Initial reports suggested an ownership transfer from Dalian Wanda to Lionheart Capital, with discussions of an Italian investment fund’s interest in Sunseeker first emerging in April.

Faro Alternative Investments completed the acquisition through its Real Economy sub-fund, with advisory support from Orienta Capital Partners and backing from Lionheart Capital in a collaborative deal. The move is intended to underscore the company’s commitment to creating value through a “unique network of expertise and investment opportunities”.

Based in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker has been a prominent name in yacht manufacturing for over 50 years and is recognised globally as a pioneer in the luxury yachting industry. The company reported approximately GDP 320 million in sales in the fiscal year 2023, primarily from yachts ranging from 15 to 50 metres. Currently, Sunseeker boasts an impressive order book valued at around GDP 540 million (approximately EUR 640 million) and is set to expand its offerings by developing high-end superyachts.

Read More: Sunseeker Superhawk 55 Shines At Sea

At the helm of the newly formed board is Giancarlo Galeone, who takes on the role of chairman for both Faro and Sunseeker. Galeone is a seasoned figure in the yachting industry, having previously served as CEO and vice president of the Ferretti Group under Norberto Ferretti, and co-founding Anvera, a shipyard known for crafting luxury RIBs. His extensive experience is expected to guide Sunseeker toward ambitious growth targets while enhancing the shipyard’s British identity and craftsmanship.

“We are excited to embark on this new journey with Sunseeker,” Galeone expressed , highlighting the potential for significant investment in developing both core and niche yacht models. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the brand’s roots while driving innovation and expansion in the global market.

Read More: Sunseeker Reveals 120 Yacht Concept

Ophir Sternberg — the founder and CEO of Lionheart Capital and now co-owner of Sunseeker — also voiced his enthusiasm, stating, “Welcoming Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family is a strategic investment in a brand with a rich history and bright future. Our understanding of the luxury yacht industry’s dynamics positions us to support Sunseeker’s growth and innovation.”

Read More: Sunseeker, Sanlorenzo Building Up to Boot Dusseldorf

Under the new leadership, Sunseeker aims to uphold its legacy of crafting exceptional yachts that epitomise luxury, performance, and innovation. Andrea Frabetti, the company’s CEO, expressed confidence in the future, asserting that the new ownership structure will facilitate significant growth and allow Sunseeker to reach new heights while honouring the vision of its founders.

FARO Alternative Investments, a platform focused on alternative investments, aims to leverage its global reach and diversified strategies, primarily in private equity and venture capital. Meanwhile, Orienta Capital Partners, with its expertise in high-growth SMEs, will continue to play a crucial role in supporting the shipyard’s development.

Read More: Sunseeker announces nine models for Cannes Yachting Festival

For more on the latest in luxury yachting news and reads,  click here .

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Sunseeker sold to Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital

British shipyard Sunseeker International has been acquired by Lionheart Capital, a Miami-based investment company, and Italian-owned Orienta Capital Partners, as an advisory company to FARO Alternative Investments. The yard was previously owned by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda, which acquired the British yacht builder back in 2013 for a value of £320 million. 

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