After 11 years, Sunseeker International has left China’s Dalian Wanda Group to be acquired by Orienta Capital Partners and investment firm Lionheart Capital.
Sunseeker International, Britain’s leading builder of high-performance luxury motor yachts, announced that the company has been successfully acquired by Orienta Capital Partners, which acted as an advisory firm to FARO Alternative Investments, together with Miami, U.S.-based investment firm Lionheart Capital, and through a club deal also sponsored by Orienta.
The Story of Sunseeker
Located in Poole on the Dorset coast of southern England, Sunseeker has been engaged in yacht manufacturing for more than 50 years. Over the past 15 years, the company has undergone several changes in ownership. In 2023 Sunseeker generated aggregate sales of 320 million pounds, mainly with yachts from 15 to 50 meters. The latest acquisition, confirmed last Oct. 31 at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, marks the end of Sunseeker International’s 11 years under the ownership of China’s Dalian Wanda Group.
The enthusiasm of Giancarlo Galeone and Ophir Sternberg
Commenting on the acquisition, Giancarlo Galeone, President of FARO and now also of Sunseeker, expressed his enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to begin this new journey alongside Sunseeker. Our strong experience in the yachting industry, combined with our long-standing relationship with its CEO Andrea Frabetti, will allow us to further enhance the British identity and craftsmanship while guiding the brand toward ambitious goals.” Galeone brings with him extensive experience in the yachting industry, having served as CEO of the Ferretti Group for more than a decade. He also said, “We can expect substantial investment in the development of new entry-level and niche models that 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 in turn, “We are thrilled to welcome Sunseeker Yachts into the Lionheart Capital family. This acquisition represents a strategic investment in a brand with an important history, including being the builder of James Bond yachts, 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.”
New funds for the British shipyard
Orienta and Lionheart plan to use their experience in the yachting industry, supported by a strong operations team dedicated to furthering Sunseeker’s development. Maintaining its roots, the yard will continue to operate as a typically 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 can prosper and achieve new goals. Our goal remains to provide exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance and innovation, while honoring the legacy and vision of our founders.”
