Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world, has signed an agreement for the acquisition through a capital increase of a minority stake in Camper & Nicholsons International (“Camper & Nicholsons”), a leading company in the world in all activities related to yachts and luxury boating. The agreement also provides for the possibility for Fincantieri to subsequently increase its stake in Camper & Nicholsons.
The investment consolidates the presence of both companies in the megayacht segment and confirms Fincantieri's strategic interest in a niche in which it has converged significant resources and achieved important results starting from the creation of Fincantieri Yachts, the dedicated business unit of the Group. Drawing on Fincantieri's 230 years of shipbuilding experience, Fincantieri's yacht division offers unparalleled levels of design, style and quality in the construction of megayachts.
Fincantieri and Camper & Nicholsons already boast an excellent relationship having collaborated on the construction of two megayachts, the 134-metre “Serene” and the 140-metre “Ocean Victory”. Delivered respectively in 2011 and 2014, "Serene" and "Ocean Victory" are among the most innovative and technologically advanced megayachts ever built. With the investment in Camper & Nicholsons, Fincantieri expects to strengthen its leadership in new buildings.
The Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Giuseppe Bono commented: “Acquiring a stake in a company of the importance of Camper & Nicholson International has a significant strategic value. In fact, starting today we are one of the first builders in the promising megayacht sector to establish a direct presence on the market, which will cover the entire spectrum of activities typical of this business, from sales to marketing to life cycle management of these very special units. This partnership will allow us to broaden our skills and therefore to further enhance our role in a sector that ensures interesting margins".
Gualtiero Giori, Executive Chairman of Camper & Nicholsons International, added: “In just nine months of ownership we first acquired the Camper & Nicholsons brand and now we welcome an investor of the weight of Fincantieri with enthusiasm. Both companies share a long and proud tradition and are today leaders in their respective fields. We look forward to their support in taking Camper & Nicholsons to new heights of success in the years to come."
