Sanlorenzo is one of the largest and most well-known powered superyacht builders in the world. Nautor Swan, meanwhile, is one of the most well-known sailing superyacht builders in the world. It additionally constructs coveted maxi racers. A just-signed memorandum of understanding indicates that Sanlorenzo may acquire Nautor Swan.
While it’s an initial step in negotiations, it’s the official proof of word circulating for a few weeks. Italian media have been reporting discussions between Sanlorenzo and Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor Swan’s chairman. Ferragamo is further the principal of Sawa, the holding company behind the Finland-based builder. Sanlorenzo issued a statement today indicating the two companies agreed upon an exclusivity period to evaluate “joint strategic opportunities.”
Both Ferragamo and Massimo Perotti (top), Sanlorenzo’s chairman and CEO, issued comments, too, about the memorandum of understanding. According to Perotti, “The combination of these brands within the same group would create a unique Maison of motor and sail yachts at the top end of the nautical competitive landscape.” Additionally, and importantly, he says that “preserving Swan’s long-lasting expertise and experience” is a priority.
Ferragamo, meanwhile, calls attention to Swan sailing superyachts’ reputation. He further adds, “A strategic partnership with Sanlorenzo Group would offer several opportunities to move forward on this virtuous path, with joint investments in innovative technologies, in sustainability, and in a more extensive service network for our customers globally.”
The announcement of the negotiations does not mention the duration of the exclusivity period. Regardless, there’s a further good reason why Sanlorenzo may acquire Nautor Swan. The relatively new Nautor Swan motoryacht division adds a market segment complementary to Sanlorenzo’s superyachts. Comprised of the Swan Shadow (above) and Swan OverShadow lines, the dayboats and superyacht tenders were directly based on client feedback. Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor Swan’s chairman, said at the time, “Power is something that we have been asked for many years to launch—many, many years.”
Nautor Swan nautorswan.com
Sanlorenzo sanlorenzoyacht.com
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