HanseYachts Names New Majority Owner in Strategic Ownership Shift
German yacht-builder HanseYachts AG has formally transitioned ownership, with entrepreneur Andreas Müller becoming the majority shareholder alongside CEO Hanjo Runde. The deal wrapped up just three weeks after the initial Share Purchase Agreement—markedly ahead of schedule—thanks to coordination with financing partners, the state of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern, and the works council.
Strong financial foundation amid broader uncertainty
In Q1 2025, HanseYachts posted approximately €41 million in revenue with a 12 % EBITDA margin and €2 million in profit. Despite these solid results, the broader leisure-boat market faces pressures from weakening demand in key regions, including the U.S. and Germany, compounded by global economic and geopolitical stresses.
CEO Hanjo Runde emphasized that the new ownership arrangement—“According to the builder, the replacement of previous bank liabilities gives us significantly more entrepreneurial flexibility and opens up new opportunities for the development of our company”.
Family-enterprise ethos at the core
Andreas Müller added that HanseYachts is now “facing a promising future,” noting his shared vision with Runde around “entrepreneurial pragmatism” rooted in sustainable, family-led business values. This pivot reflects a shift from private-equity to long-term stewardship, focused on innovation across its multiple brands—Hanse, Dehler, Moody, Fjord, Sealine, and Ryck.
Strategic production adjustment ahead
HanseYachts maintained full production through June to honor seasonal order volumes, but will reduce output thereafter to align with lower market demand—part of a broader strategy for financial stability. Runde noted that HanseYachts plans to resume normal operations by late 2025, aided by the new capital structure and streamlined debt.
Looking ahead
With a refreshed ownership structure and a clear intent to balance growth with resilience, HanseYachts appears poised to navigate market volatility while enhancing its product innovation and brand reputation. The blend of family-enterprise sensibilities and fiscal flexibility positions the German builder for its next chapter.
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