Nautor Swan Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, Finland.

After a long period of negotiation, Italian boatbuiding giant Sanlorenzo Group has acquired a 60 per cent share in Finnish sailing yacht maker Nautor Swan, effective from today (1 August 2024).

A four-year period is planned between the closing of the agreement and the transfer of 100 per cent of the shareholding, which is planned for April 2028. This is designed to allow a gradual integration of the two brands and the sales network. The deal is worth a reported 80.9m euros.

Founded in 1966, Nautor Swan has grown to become a leader in the segment of shipyards producing yachts between 28 and 131 feet. In addition to its shipyard, the firm offers services including Nautor Swan Charter and Brokerage, Nautor Swan Global Service—which provides global assistance—and ClubSwan Racing, its sports division.

The Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, Finland, will remain the main production site for Nautor Swan sailing yachts.

“I have dedicated 26 years, together with a skilled and professional team, to developing and transforming this already famous and iconic shipyard into an international brand recognized for quality, elegance, and reliability, the key elements at Nautor Swan’s core,” says Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor Group president.

“This includes four product lines, services operating worldwide, and the regattas and sport management, as well as the establishment of ClubSwan, a virtual yacht club that has created a vast community, unique for a brand.

“Today, my goal is to propel forwards a brand that is so beloved and respected and ensure its longevity by entrusting it to one of the world’s leading nautical groups, led by Massimo Perotti, one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs in the marine industry. This will enable it to reach the many and important potentials for which we have worked with passion and dedication over the years.”

Massimo Perotti, president and CEO Sanlorenzo Group adds: “Signing this agreement represents another milestone for our strategy. During the past months, together with Leonardo Ferragamo, who’s been able to transform a yard and its boats into an iconic and international brand, and Nautor Swan Management, a solid industrial plan, in terms of product development and synergies related to production, technologies, commercial and economies of scale.

“We are talking about a niche brand, ultra-exclusive, whose philosophy is aligned with the one we have in Sanlorenzo.”

Nautor Swan will be helmed by Leonardo Ferragamo, retaining the office of president, with Massimo Perotti as CEO, and Giovanni Pomati as co-CEO.

Visconti & Associati assisted Sawa (for Nautor Swan) in the management of all the legal aspects and negotiation of the agreement. Sawa has also been assisted by CC & Soci, acting as Financial Advisor, Heritage Holdings, acting as strategic advisor for the business plan, and Unicredit as consumer goods and retail advisor.

In the past year, Sanlorenzo has made several major acquisitions. These include Simpson Marine — a dealership based in Asia — a stake in Italian artisanal furniture producer Duerre, and 49 per cent of the share capital of Sea Energy, an Italian company specialising in the design, production and installation of electronics and electrical systems for the yachting sector.

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