Novamarine's Acquisition of Tornado Yachts (Is 2025 The Year Of Brand Acquisitions?)
In a strategic move poised to reshape its market footprint, Novamarine—the renowned Italian builder of high-performance rigid inflatable boats (RIBs)—has officially acquired Tornado Yachts, a storied name in the world of sleek, offshore cruisers. The acquisition underscores Novamarine’s commitment to evolving beyond tenders and chase boats, venturing deeper into the high-end yachting arena.
Tornado Yachts, long celebrated for its assertive lines, fast hulls, and seafaring pedigree, will now operate under the Novamarine umbrella. With this merger, Novamarine intends to relaunch the Tornado brand in-house, blending timeless Italian design with modern engineering and the kind of build quality expected in today's luxury market.
Moving Upmarket: From Chase Boats to Sport Yachts
Until now, Novamarine’s reputation was built around its iconic RH and BS series—premium RIBs ranging from 12 to 15 meters in length, trusted by discerning owners and superyacht crews alike. With Tornado’s integration, the brand gains access to a new class of vessels: open yachts up to 20 meters in length, with a distinctly sporty aesthetic and tailored for high-performance cruising. This diversification not only expands the portfolio but marks Novamarine’s most aggressive step yet toward the ultra-luxury segment.
A Growth Strategy Backed by the Milan Stock Exchange
The acquisition follows Novamarine’s IPO on the Milan Stock Exchange in August 2024, which raised substantial capital to accelerate the company’s global ambitions. Those ambitions include increased production capacity at its Sardinian facility, and a stronger foothold in North American and Northern European markets—two regions where Tornado’s offshore credentials and open-deck designs are expected to resonate strongly.
Beyond RIBs: A New Industrial Era
Founded in 1983 and revitalized during a successful restructuring in the 2010s, Novamarine has always leaned into innovation—especially with its pioneering use of foam-filled tubes, which deliver exceptional durability and performance. By acquiring Tornado Yachts, Novamarine is embracing an industrial repositioning: expanding from a specialized tender manufacturer into a full-spectrum builder of premium vessels, from high-performance dayboats to luxurious weekenders.
Part of a Larger Wave of Marine Industry Consolidation
The Novamarine–Tornado merger is one of several high-profile consolidations shaping the yachting landscape in 2025. This year has already seen a number of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, including Denison Yachting's finalized merger with OneWater Yacht Group, as well as Groupe Beneteau’s increased investment in electric propulsion startups. Other notable moves include Brunswick’s acquisition of several connected boating tech companies and Turkish builder Sirena Yachts’ expansion into Northern Europe through the acquisition of a key Finnish production facility.
In this dynamic climate, Novamarine’s move positions it as not just a builder of exceptional tenders: but as a rising force in the future of European sport-luxury yachting.
