The rumors that saw
Swan
in the “crosshairs” of the
Sanlorenzo Group
now find official confirmation. After the rumors
(we told you about it here)
, today comes the announcement of an MoU, Memorandum of Understanding between Sanlorenzo Spa and Sawa Srl.
Sanlorenzo wants Swan? The protagonists
Let’s get this straight: Sawa Srl is Leonardo Ferragamo ‘s company that controls the Nautor Swan brand. Sanlorenzo, on the other hand, is the super group that has established itself among the top players in the nautical market in recent years.
The memorandum of understanding between the two parties provides a period of time in which, the two entities can, on an exclusive basis, evaluate strategic partnerships. This could result in a sharing of technology, know-how, a more widespread presence in the global market, but also does not exclude the possibility of an acquisition.
On one side is Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo’s majority shareholder, and on the other Leonardo Ferragamo, chairman of Nautor Swan. The points of contact at the level of philosophy between the two sites, then, are not lacking. Italy and Finland are not close geographically, that’s for sure. The focus, however, on design and production quality are the same as those that have made these two brands world-renowned.
Sanlorenzo and Swan: what could happen
Sanlorenzo ‘s interest in high-end sailing is nothing new. Back in the days of the auction of
Perini Navi, now part of The Italian Sea Group
, Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo’s majority shareholder, had tried to take the most famous maxi sailing yacht brand.
Nor is this the first time a major powerboat group has been projected to take a premium sailing brand under its wing. The acquisition of Wally by Ferretti Group in this regard has set the standard. Also in common between the two is the presence of luxury dayboats in the range for both Wally and Swan.
Would the union of Swan and Sanlorenzo result in a first-rate premium yacht-building giant capable of rivaling other giants (Azimut and Ferretti)? Certainly the operation on a practical level would bring benefits to Swan for example in terms of production efficiency. For now, the Finnish shipyard builds in Pietarsaari with significant production costs and longer lead times.
