Sunseeker International bought by Italian and US firms, but will still build in Poole
Italy’s Orienta Capital Partners and US’s Lionheart Capital have bought Britain’s Sunseeker International from China’s Wanda real estate group. The deal was confirmed at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. It confirms months of speculation which began in Spring 2024, when Wanda Group started to sell off its core businesses.
A company statement says that Sunseeker has been bought by Orienta Capital Partners, as an advisory company to FARO Alternative Investments. The move comes together with the Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital, and a club deal sponsored by Orienta itself.
Sunseeker will remain a British company, based in Poole, where the primary production, workforce, and current infrastructure are concentrated, says a statement.
“We are thrilled to start this new journey alongside Sunseeker,” says Giancarlo Galeone, chairman of FARO and now also chairman of Sunseeker. Galeone has a proven track record in the yachting sector, having previously been CEO of Ferretti Group for over 10 years.
“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. We can expect a substantial investment into the development of new core and niche models, supporting the worldwide presence of the brand.”
Based in Poole, on the Dorset coast in the south of England, Sunseeker rates itself as a global icon in the luxury yachting industry and says each Sunseeker is the result of an uncompromising approach to design, innovation, and performance. In the 2023 financial year, Sunseeker generated approximately £320m of aggregate sales, mainly from yachts in the 15-50 metre range.
“We are excited to welcome Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family,” adds Ophir Sternberg, founder and CEO of Lionheart Capital and now also co-owner of Sunseeker. “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.”
Orienta and Lionheart believe their strong expertise in the yachting industry will bring added value to the iconic brand and strengthen its British heritage. A press statement talks about leveraging their proven experience in the yachting sector with the assistance of a strong operational team that will continue to support the development of Sunseeker.
“We are confident that under the new leadership, Sunseeker will thrive and reach new heights,” states Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker. “Our goal remains to deliver exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance and innovation, while honouring the legacy and vision of our founders.”
The Poole-based luxury boatbuilder, which announced a £40m investment in new product development in 2023, has been owned by the Wanda Group since 2013. Wanda was said to have paid £320 million for almost 92 per cent of Sunseeker in 2013.
The image above shows the new 55-foot model just added to Sunseeker’s Predator range. It’s being shown at FLIBS by Sunseeker and its USA dealer, OneWater Yacht Group.
“A model that embodies all the strength of the Sunseeker DNA and British sailing experience: with the launch of the Predator 55, Sunseeker sets a new standard in the US market, working alongside an exceptional network of distributors, capable of always delivering seamless customer service. With the new Predator 55 showcasing Sunseeker’s diverse product portfolio and expertise, we will be presenting the very best innovations that only a shipyard like Sunseeker is able to offer on the market,” says Sean Robertson, president of Sunseeker USA.
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