After months of rumors and subsequent confirmation of negotiations, Nautor Swan is now part of the Sanlorenzo Group, Sanlorenzo’s parent company. Effective today, the Italian yacht builder owns 60 percent of the Finland-based yard. Over the next four years, the remaining 40 percent of shares will transfer.
Dating to 1966, Nautor Swan has a broad range of offerings. Firstly, it builds sailing yachts from 28 to 131 feet (8.5 to 40 meters). These include the current flagship, the Swan 120 series, and the newest superyacht model, the “mini maxi” Swan 80 yacht. Secondly, it has a motoryacht division for tenders and dayboats. This includes the Swan Shadow (below) and Swan OverShadow, along with the Swan Arrow that premieres at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Furthermore, the company has a few specialized divisions, namely Nautor Swan Charter, Nautor Swan Brokerage, Nautor Swan Global Service, and ClubSwan Racing. The latter serves a second purpose, to unite customers through a virtual yacht club.
Word that Sanlorenzo may acquire the shipyard began circulating last fall in Italian media. The two builders confirmed the rumors upon signing a memorandum of understanding in December. According to Sanlorenzo, the goal was to explore “joint strategic opportunities.” With the acquisition, Sanlorenzo’s long track record in the motoryacht and megayacht sectors will come into play. So, too, will its research and development in sustainable propulsion and new construction materials.
“Today, my goal is to propel forwards a brand that is so beloved and respected and ensure its longevity,” says Leonardo Ferragamo, president of Nautor Group for 26 years. He calls Massimo Perotti (below), Sanlorenzo’s president and CEO, “one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs in the marine industry.”
Perotti considers Nautor Swan “an iconic and international brand” thanks to Ferragamo’s work. He adds, “We are talking about a niche brand, ultra-exclusive, whose philosophy is aligned with the one we have in Sanlorenzo.” Despite the core customers being disparate, Perotti notes, they do seek similarly luxurious and advanced yachts and megayachts.
Perotti intends to keep production in Finland (top), helping the divisions grow while “always preserving the heritage and exclusivity of the brand.” He considers the combination of the two yachting names “the best of motor and sailing yachting.”
Ferragamo will remain as president, while Perotti and Giovanni Ponati will serve as co-CEOs.
Nautor Swan will be helmed by Leonardo Ferragamo retaining the office of President, Massimo Perotti as
Nautor Swan nautorswan.com
Sanlorenzo sanlorenzoyacht.com
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