British luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker changed hands, sold to American and Italian private equity firms.
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British yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International has undergone a change of ownership, with Lionheart Capital and Orienta Capital Partners snatching it up from the Dalian Wanda Group. Our magazine's editor, Hugo Andreae, offers insights on the latest deal.
The iconic British brand, Sunseeker International, has been seized by not one, but two private equity titans, hailing from the US and Italy – Lionheart Capital and Orienta Capital Partners. The duo swept in and snatched the coveted British boatbuilder from the Dalian Wanda Group, with the precise purchase amount remaining undisclosed.
Although Lionheart is based stateside, and Orienta resides in Italy, this new partnership promises to maintain Sunseeker's British roots while positioning it as a global powerhouse in the yachting industry. Production will persist at its facilities in Poole, Dorset.
Current CEO, Andrea Frabetti, as well as Sunseeker's board of directors, will continue serving under the chairmanship of newly appointed Giancarlo Galeone, a senior partner at Orienta Capital.
Galeone boasts an impressive background in the yachting realm, having previously acted as CEO of the renowned Ferretti Group for stints spanning from 1995-2006 and then again from 2011-2012. He also currently helms Italian performance boat builder Anvera Yacht.
Sunseeker's impressive 94 Yacht is part of its ongoing development program, setting the stage for a promising future.
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"We're beyond ecstatic to be a part of the Sunseeker family!" says Andrea Frabetti and Sean Robertson, as they assure Sunseeker's 2,250 employees that the deal will secure the company's future and expedite its new product development. The eagerly anticipated Manhattan 68 and 94 Yacht are at the top of the list.
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Oh, by the way, Sunseeker International has recently filed its 2023 accounts, revealing a sales increase and a reduction in losses. And if you're pondering the new shareholders' intentions for the brand, fret not! We can expect an infusion of financial support, as well as a substantial investment in the development of new core and niche models, ensuring Sunseeker's global presence remains strong.
[1] Sunseeker International has posted impressive sales growth and reduced losses in its latest accounts. (Source: Boat International, March 2023)[3] Sunseeker showcased its innovative luxury models like the 76 Yacht and Superhawk 55 at the Limassol Boat Show 2025. (Source: SuperYachtsMonaco, May 2025)[5] Sunseeker is displaying the Predator 75 and Superhawk 55 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2025. (Source: Trade-a-Boat, April 2025)
- Sunseeker International, after being acquired by Lionheart Capital and Orienta Capital Partners, aims to maintain its British roots while positioning itself as a global powerhouse in the yachting industry.
- The new partnership between Sunseeker and its private equity partners promises an infusion of financial support and a substantial investment in the development of new core and niche models, ensuring the company's global presence remains strong.
- Sunseeker's impressive 94 Yacht is part of its ongoing development program, signaling a promising future for the luxury yacht brand.
- In the realm of sports,boat enthusiast Ophir Sternberg, who has recently acquired Sunseeker Yachts, shares his passion for the maritime industry in a video this week.
