Ferretti Group

About Ferretti Group

In 1968, brothers Alessandro and Norberto Ferretti transitioned from their family's car dealership to the nautical world, starting as agents for the American boat brand Chris Craft. This initial venture quickly evolved, and by 1971, they had built their first wooden motor sailer, marking the true beginning of the Ferretti shipbuilding story. The company's focus sharpened in 1982 when it launched its first motor yacht, dedicating itself to the luxury yacht segment. A significant growth phase began in the late 1990s through a series of strategic acquisitions of prestigious Italian yachting brands, including Pershing in 1998, CRN in 1999, and the iconic Riva in 2000. This playbook of acquiring historic brands defined its strategy, creating a powerhouse portfolio of specialized shipyards. A pivotal chapter began in 2012 when the Chinese industrial giant Weichai Group acquired a majority stake in Ferretti Group for €374 million, providing significant capital and access to emerging markets. This acquisition stabilized the company, which at the time had significant debt, and set the stage for future growth while keeping production and management based in Italy. The journey culminated in a dual listing. First, an IPO on the Hong Kong stock exchange in March 2022 valued the company at nearly US$1 billion. This was followed by a second listing on the Euronext Milan in June 2023, solidifying its position as a major player on the global stage.