Skip to main content

HanseYachts AG buys catamaran builder Privilège Marine from majority shareholder AURELIUS

Catamaran builder Privilège Marine logo featured on the side of yacht

World number two yacht builder HanseYachts AG of Greifswald is buying French luxury catamaran yard Privilège Marine SAS from its majority shareholder AURELIUS. 

Privilège was taken over by AURELIUS in June 2017. HanseYachts AG then bought the moulds of the existing yachts from the new owner and secured the marketing rights as well as the use of the brand. In addition, a consulting and purchasing agreement was concluded so that HanseYachts AG could transfer its series boat building skills and the resulting sales opportunities to the renowned French shipyard.

“After a dry spell, Privilège is about to break even,” says Dr Jens Gerhardt, former CEO of HanseYachts AG. “This is the ideal time for us to take over the company completely and expand our multi-brand strategy. Privilège has a healthy order book of more than 25 million euros. The catamaran market remains attractive, it is the fastest growing of all global sailing markets and has doubled in less than 5 years. With the acquisition of Privilège, we are increasing our capacity by more than 30 million per year, giving further impetus to our long-term growth course. We also expect some uplift from the effects of synergy and the broader distribution network of HanseYachts AG. Privilège`s existing debt towards the previous shareholders will promptly be paid in full by issuing new shares, whereby the HanseYachts AG furthermore will be strengthened. In order that our existing free float shareholders won't be diluted through this measure, we offer a cash capital increase with the subscription right by 1 to 9.”

Privilège has been a market-leading manufacturer of luxury catamarans for more than 30 years, and produces sail and motor yachts. In addition to producing excellent ocean going yachts, the focus has always been on offering custom designs options. Last year, three new catamaran models were announced and marketed simultaneously under the leadership of HanseYachts AG, to drive the brand towards a successful future: The power catamaranEuphorie 5 which favourable consumption attracts long-distance skippers as well as the Privilège 510 and 580, combining luxury with blue water sailing catamarans.

Privilège now totally benefits from the worldwide distribution network of the HanseYachts AG with its 230 dealers in 90 countries and the purchasing power of Euro 150 millions in overall sales.

The catamarans will continue to be built in Les Sables d'Olonne on the French Atlantic coast, and the existing staff structure of some 150 employees under former CEO Gilles Wagner will also be retained. The shipyard covers an area of 25,000 m2 with production halls of 15,000 m2, direct access to the Atlantic, 50 m delivery dock with private access via the shipyard, and a range of six catamarans between 50 and 75 feet (ca. 23 m).

More news articles

News
Luxury SEALINE Yacht - Celebrating a Decade of Excellence

10 years of SEALINE

Read more
Commemorate 60 Years of Nautical Success with Dehler

Brace yourself for an exhilarating voyage as we revel in the remarkable 60-year journey of Dehler!

Read more
Crowd admiring the sleek and modern design of the Hanse 460 yacht model at Tulln Boat Show.

Latest Sailboat Models Steal the Show at Tulln Boat Show

Read more
Fjord 41 XP twin v12 600hp engines

Performance meets style

Read more
Moody DS41 is convincing internationally

The Moody DS41 wins American award.

Read more
Best of Boats Award Winner

The powerful RYCK 280 won the Best of Boats Award (BOB) in the category “Best for Beginners”.

Read more
The Hanse 460 has received a prestigious award in the watersports sector.

Category: Cruising Yacht of the Year 2022

Read more
FJORD 53 XL is nominated for European Powerboat Award 2023

The FJORD 53 XL is nominated in the category "Boats up to 20 metres".

Read more
A stunning 3d render of a new, easy sailing, fast cruising 50-foot yacht.

Bold. Brilliant. A stunning new look, Easy Sailing and Fast Cruising!

Read more
Dehler 30od class

First Dehler 30 one design Championship in Warnemünde

Read more