Administrators are looking to close a deal to secure the future of UK boatbuilder Fairline Yachts Ltd within weeks.
The joint administrators have been seeking a buyer to take the brand forward since it entered administration in January 2025, just weeks after the Northamptonshire company was sold by Hanover Investors to Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems, part of the Fletcher Marine Group.
The administrators, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, say multiple bids have been submitted and are being considered, with a decision to be made in the ‘coming weeks’.
The company is continuing to operate as normal thanks to funding received from existing investor DF Capital in February 2025.
“We have been encouraged by the number of initial bids we have received for the company, which have come from both UK and international parties,” said Michael Magnay, joint administrator to Fairline Yachts Ltd, in a statement to the boatbuilder’s local paper, the Northamptonshire Telegraph.
Iconic brand
“We are continuing to work with a number of bidders with a view to receiving final bids this week and closing a transaction as soon as possible in the coming weeks.”
The administrator has previously said that he expected Fairline to have a broad appeal to both domestic and international investors.
“Fairline Yachts is an iconic brand with a committed and passionate team of experts who have established deep relationships with dealers and end customers over many years,” he said.
“The business is known throughout the world for the quality of its craftsmanship and the innovative design of its yachts.”
Fairline was founded in 1967 and currently has four yacht ranges with models from 33ft to 68ft.
The boatbuilder has two sites in the UK, in Oundle, Northamptonshire, and Suffolk. For the year ending December 31 2023, the company made a loss of £21.7 million.
The company received equity funding of £8.8 million and additional loans from its ultimate shareholder in 2024 to cover its working capital needs.
