Countdown of the most read headlines of 2024:
M&As, a yacht sinking and the BBA, make up some of the key stories to break in IBI this year. Below is a countdown of the most impactful stories of 2024:
15. Axopar acquires Polish OEM partner
Finnish boatbuilder has bought a majority shareholding in Markos Sp. z.o.o.
14. Brunswick retires MotorGuide brand
Electric trolling motor nameplate discontinued, with new product to appear under Lowrance, Simrad branding
13. New ownership for bankrupt Italian yards
Cantieri di Pisa and Privilege Yard Spa acquired by new owners
12. METSTRADE organiser to acquire superyacht sector’s premier conference
The Superyacht Forum has been held in Amsterdam for more than three decades
11. Norwegian powerboat builder buys Ryds
Acquisiton preserves Ryds’ 70-year legacy and injects new life into the bankrupt brand
10. Silent Yachts restructures following collapse of subcontractor
Objective to transition from a founder-funded entity to an investor-funded one
9. Princess Yachts restructures, confirms redundancies
UK builder says the move will create a leaner, more agile organisation
8. Hanover issues statement confirming sale of Fairline Yachts
Former Fairline operations director appointed CEO
7. Big losses in Sweden Yachts Group bankruptcy
A German boat buyer and the Swedish tax authorities are two of the biggest losers
6. Former Princess CEO joins Sunseeker
Antony Sheriff appointed as a board member
5. Perini Navi superyacht sinks off coast of Sicily
One person dead and six others missing after the 56m Bayesian sinks in bad weather
4. Boat Builder Awards honours achievements across four continents
Eleven winners and three Honourable Mentions named at last night’s spectacular dinner and awards ceremony in Amsterdam
3. BRP to sell off marine division
Canadian boatbuilder to divest Alumacraft, Manitou, Telwater business units
2. Beneteau Q1 reflects sharp downturn
Revenues down 39% YOY; view market reaction
Protracted negotiations end in a successful sale announced this afternoon; Ophir Sternberg and former Ferretti executives involved