Sunseeker has been sold to American and Italian businesses

Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital and Milan’s Orienta Capital Partners has bought the Poole Quay-based manufacturer for an undisclosed sum. 

Prior to the acquisition on October 31, Sunseeker International was owned by Chinese real estate group Wanda. 

“We are confident that under the new leadership, Sunseeker will thrive and reach new heights”, said Andrea Frabetti, chief executive of Sunseeker.  

“Our goal remains to deliver exceptional yachts that embody luxury, performance and innovation, while honouring the legacy and vision of our founders.” 

Last year, Sunseeker generated around £320m of aggregate sales, mainly from yachts in the 15 to 50-metre range. 

Picture by Echo reader Peter Plucknett of the second ever Sunseeker 155 Yacht at Poole Quay

Officials have said Sunseeker will remain a British company based in Poole where the primary production, workforce and current infrastructure are concentrated. 

Sunseeker employs more than 2,000 people in Poole and Portland and is a major recruiter of apprentices. 

The sale follows months of speculation about a sale, with the Echo reporting discussions had taken place with Lionheart back in April. 

Giancarlo Galeone, the new chairman of Sunseeker, said: “We are thrilled to start this new journey alongside Sunseeker.  

“Our strong expertise in the yachting industry combined with our long-lasting relationship with its CEO will allow us to further enhance the British identity and craftsmanship, driving the brand towards ambitious goals. 

“We can expect a substantial investment into the development of new core and niche models, supporting the worldwide presence of the brand.” 

Ophir Sternberg, founder and chief executive of Lionheart Capital, 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.” 

Sunseeker was founded in Christchurch by Robert Braithwaite in 1969, as Friars Cliff Marine, selling other companies’ boats.  

Renamed Poole Powerboats when it moved to the town in 1969, it began producing boats of its own two years later.  

It became Sunseeker International in 1985 and its boats were sought after across the world, appearing in four James Bond films.  

The business was bought in 2013 by the Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda.  

It lost £41million in 2014 and shed 300 jobs, but was in the black and hiring two years later.  

But then in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the company was looking to axe another 460 jobs, or a fifth of its workforce, as it struggled with the effects of lockdown.

A year ago, the company appointed its permanent sustainability and environmental manager in a bid to secure its long-term sustainable development.