Sanlorenzo's Strategic Acquisition of Nautor Swan: A New Era of Luxury Yachting
Sanlorenzo’s acquisition of Nautor Swan merges luxury yachting excellence with cutting-edge sustainable innovation and global expansion.
In a bold move set to reshape the high-end nautical landscape, the renowned Italian shipbuilder Sanlorenzo has secured a controlling stake in the iconic sailing yacht brand Nautor Swan. With an initial 60% acquisition valued at €48.5 million, Sanlorenzo is navigating towards full ownership over the next four years, setting its sights on becoming the foremost entity in luxury yachting.
The Boatbuilding Technology Centre in Pietarsaari, Finland, will steadfastly remain the heart of Nautor Swan’s production, ensuring the continuation of their legacy in craftsmanship. Sanlorenzo’s strategic plans extend beyond mere expansion; they aim to create unmatched synergies in technology, production, and sales while focusing on sustainable yachting solutions that harness carbon-neutral technologies like green hydrogen and methanol.
Helming this transformation, Massimo Perotti of Sanlorenzo will act as CEO, with Giovanni Pomati as co-CEO, while Leonardo Ferragamo maintains his influential role as Chairman of Nautor Swan. The transaction reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing product development and achieving economies of scale, marking a significant turning point in the brand’s storied history.
Financially, the sale stipulates an innovative valuation method for the remaining shares, where the final price will be determined either by the initially agreed-upon price or based on a multiple of Nautor Swan’s earnings, ensuring stakeholders benefit from the brand's continued success. This strategic partnership will be further strengthened by payments comprising two-thirds cash and one-third shares.
For over five decades, Nautor Swan has been synonymous with sailing excellence, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including charter and brokerage, global assistance via Nautor Swan Global Service, and its competitive arm, ClubSwan Racing. The collaboration with Sanlorenzo is poised to enhance R&D efforts, particularly in sustainability, fortifying the brand's position in the evolving market.
This merger promises to deliver an unparalleled offering to connoisseurs of both motor and sailing yachting, forging a unique blend of elegance, quality, and performance. As the industry watches this new chapter unfold, the synergistic potential between Sanlorenzo and Nautor Swan heralds a future where luxury yachting meets innovative sustainability.
