Bronzewood Capital run by David Buchler, has emerged as the preferred bidder for Fairline Yachts, according to news reports.
The news comes as administrators have released the statement of affairs for Fairline Yachts Ltd which entered administration in January 2025.
The Northamptonshire based boatbuilder has around £1 million in the bank with around £10 million owed to creditors.
In addition, there is £9,414,063 due to the fixed charge holders – DF Capital Bank Ltd and around £2.256 million owned to HMRC for PAYE / NIC.
Among the trade creditors, £700,000 is listed as a debt to Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems, £330,487 to Scott Bader Co, £635,700 to Trend Marine Products and £200,000 to Benny’s Trading.
£204,300 is listed as a debt to Gracecliffe Developments Ltd, £227,650 to Moody Decking & Services, £387,000 to MAPP ltd, £199,000 to National Timber Group England and £164,000 to Dometic UK.
Administrators
There are also amounts owing to Fairline brokers including £156,000 to Fairline Greece, £200,000 to Fairline Cote D’Azure, £225,000 to Nova Yachts (Croatia) and £172,000 to Nautic Norway.
A few days’ ago it was reported that administrators were looking to close a deal to secure the future of Fairline Yachts within weeks.
The administrators, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, said multiple bids have been submitted and are being considered.
According to Sky News, a consortium led by Bronzewood Capital, the private equity arm of advisory firm Buchler Phillips, has secured the status of preferred bidder for Fairline Yachts and is pledging to keep Fairline Yachts’ manufacturing operations in the UK.
The reports suggest the deal could be completed within days and the bulk of Fairline’s workforce will be retained as part of the deal.
The boatbuilder entered administration just weeks after it was sold by Hanover Investors to Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems, part of the Fletcher Marine Group.
In December, Fairline Yachts announced it was appointing Peter Hamlyn as its new CEO.
Bronzewood Capital is the new private equity investment arm of Buchler Phillips and was launched in March 2025.
In the launch announcement it was said that the first investment was expected before summer 2025.
