Van der Valk Shipyard has undergone a management buyout (MBO).
The move follows the retirement of Wim van der Valk at the age of 79. Wim van der Valk has been at the helm of the shipyard since it was founded in 1967.
The MBO of Wim’s shares in the yard is financially supported by a family of experienced yacht owners who have previously commissioned three custom superyachts from the shipyard – LeVen, EDGE and Lady Lene.
“The significant capital investment will enable Van der Valk to continue growing our unique niche in the market for bespoke yachts between 25 and 45 metres,” said head of sales Yoeri Bijker. “The new primary shareholders fully understand our yard’s ethos having built several award-winning yachts with us and are committed to ensuring Van der Valk retains its Dutch structure, heritage and quality.
“We have a solid financial future as an independent entity with various options available for further expansion. Wim’s unrivalled legacy could not be in safer hands.”
The shipyard has a full order book stretching well into 2026, including the largest superyacht built to date, and says confidence in the future is high.
Van der Valk has the capacity and flexibility to build all-custom superyachts up to 45 metres in length.
The shipyard has more than 9000m² of facilities at its location in Waalwijk in the Netherlands and opened its seventh construction hall last November.
The management team of Enrico Theuns, Bram Kooltjes and Yoeri Bijker have decades of combined experience in the high-end yachting industry and will continue to enjoy the ongoing support of President Emeritus Wim van der Valk as an advisor to the board.
 following the retirement of Wim van der Valk at the age of 79.){kind=link}