Sunseeker International has announced that the company has been successfully acquired by Orienta Capital Partners, who acted as an advisory firm to FARO Alternative Investments, alongside Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital, and through a club deal also sponsored by Orienta.

The acquisition, confirmed today at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, marks the end of Sunseeker International's 11-year tenure under the ownership of China’s Dalian Wanda Group.

Located in Poole on the Dorset coast in the south of England, Sunseeker has been involved in yacht manufacturing for over 50 years. The company has experienced several changes in ownership over the past 15 years. In 2023, Sunseeker generated £320 million in aggregate sales, primarily from yachts ranging from 15 to 50-metres.

Commenting on the acquisition, Giancarlo Galeone, Chairman of FARO and now also Chairman of Sunseeker, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to start this new journey alongside Sunseeker. Our strong expertise in the yachting industry, combined with our long-standing relationship with its CEO, will allow us to further enhance the British identity and craftsmanship, driving the brand towards ambitious goals.”

Galeone brings extensive experience from the yachting industry, having served as the CEO of the Ferretti Group for over a decade. He further stated, “We can expect a substantial investment into the development of new core and niche models, which will support and expand the brand's global presence.”

Ophir Sternberg, founder and CEO of Lionheart Capital and now also co-owner of Sunseeker added: “We are excited to welcome Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family. This acquisition represents a strategic investment in a brand with a storied history, including as James Bond’s yacht maker, and a bright future. Lionheart understands the unique dynamics of the luxury yacht industry, and I am confident in Sunseeker's potential for growth and innovation.”

Orienta and Lionheart aim to utilise their expertise in the yachting sector, supported by a robust operational team dedicated to furthering Sunseeker's development. Maintaining its roots, Sunseeker will continue to operate as a quintessentially British company, with its main production facilities, workforce, and infrastructure located in Poole.

Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker, expressed confidence in the new leadership: “We are confident that under the new leadership, Sunseeker will thrive and reach new heights. Our goal remains to deliver exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance, and innovation, while honouring the legacy and vision of our founders.”