Milan, Poole – October 31, 2024 – FARO Alternative Investments’ Real Economy sub-fund supported by the advisory firm Orienta Capiral Partners, specialised in SME investments, announces the completion of its acquisition of Sunseeker International (Holdings) Ltd., a renowned British shipyard known for crafting high-performance luxury motor yachts, previously owned by the Chinese industrial conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.
The acquisition of 100% of Sunseeker was completed by FARO Alternative Investments, an alternative investment platform founded on a unique and dynamic ecosystem in which expertise and networking create value for investors and stakeholders. The transaction was conducted in collaboration with the Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital and a club deal organized by Orienta Capital Partners. Based in Poole, on the Dorset coast, south of England, Sunseeker has been committed to building exceptional yachts for over 50 years. Sunseeker has become a global icon in the luxury yachting industry and is recognized worldwide as one of the early inventors of performance leisure yachts. Each Sunseeker is the result of an uncompromising approach to design innovation and performance. In FY 2023 Sunseeker generated approximately £320m of aggregate sales, mainly from yachts in the 15–50
meter range. Its current order book stands at approximately £540 million (around €640 million), with plans to expand its portfolio by focusing on developing high-end superyachts. “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter alongside Sunseeker. Our established expertise in the nautical sector, combined with our long-standing relationship with the CEO, will allow us to further enhance the shipyards’ identity and craftmanship, guiding the brand toward our ambitious growth objectives. Sunseeker will retain its British identity, continuing to be headquartered in Poole, where its primary production, workforce, and current operational infrastructure reside.”, stated Giancarlo Galeone, Chairman of FARO Value, lead advisor to FARO Alternative Investments SCSp SICAV RAIF.
“We are confident that through this new ownership structure, Sunseeker will be able to grow and reach new milestones,” stated Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker. “Our goal will remain to build exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance, and innovation, while honoring the legacy and vision of our founders.”
About FARO Alternative Investments
FARO Alternative Investments SICAV RAIF (“FARO”) is an alternative investment fund operating through a globally active scalable platform with diversified strategies, mainly in Private Equity and Venture Capital. FARO invests with the support of Advisory Companies such as Orienta Capital Partners, FOREL, FNDX, SM Capital, FBS Next and IRTOP Consulting. Each of these, with proven know-how in its target sector, plays an essential role in the five specific segments: FARO Real Economy, FARO Fashion & Luxury Design, FARO Innovation, FARO NPL, and FARO Growth & Development. As Lead Advisor, FARO Value S.p.A. manages the Preliminary Investment Committee, composed of the Fund’s key managers and supported by a strategic committee of Business Partners (entrepreneurs, Family Offices and strategic investors), as well as a “Next Generation” committee composed of young people under-35. In addition, GEN II Management Company acts as the AIFM and Central Administrator of FARO Alternative Investments (SICAV). A distinctive value of the FARO platform is its ecosystem, which is based on solid experience and an entrepreneurial approach to investment
About Orienta Capital Partners
Orienta Capital Partners is an investment firm based in Milan, Forlì and Reggio Emilia, specializing in cross-industry transaction as lead investors, focusing on high-growth potential SMEs. The partners of Orienta include Augusto Balestra, Marco Bizzarri, Giancarlo Galeone, Mario Giardini, Lorenzo Isolabella, Sergio Serra, and Paolo Strocchi. Since 2017, Orienta has completed 28 transactions across various sectors, including: Sidac (flexible packaging, sold to Schur Flexibles Group in 2021), Bassini 1963 and Glaxi Pane (frozen baked goods), F.A. (Forlì Airport), Passione Unghie (cosmetics, majority of stakes sold to Trilantic in 2022), Acqua Pejo and Goccia di Carnia (mineral waters), New Penta (nutraceuticals, majority stake sold o NAMED Group in 2022), Rockin’1000 (entertainment), Plyform Composites (aerospace), Bierrebi (machinery), Trendcolor (cosmetics), Ilma (sustainable building), Anvera (boating). In October 2024 Orienta Capital Partners completed the sale of Virosac and Rapid to the Sphere Group.
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