Renaissance Partners has signed a binding agreement to acquire Genoa-headquartered maritime interior outfitting business De Wave Group from Platinum Equity. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
De Wave generated revenue of more than €400 million in 2025 and employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. The company says management will reinvest substantially all proceeds from the sale alongside Renaissance Partners, reflecting continued involvement in the next phase of development.
De Wave was founded in 2014 through the combination of three marine interior specialists, and supplies interior outfitting for cruise ships and large yachts.
Its work covers cabins, bathrooms, public areas, catering areas and glazing solutions, as well as selected technical systems including HVAC, refrigeration and electrical systems.
Resource efficiency
The group serves shipyards on new-build projects and cruise operators on refit work, where refurbishments extend vessel lifecycles and support resource efficiency.
De Wave operates in a growing cruise market, supported by continuing investment in higher-end ships, interiors and technical outfitting.
A new-build backlog of more than €2 billion provides multi-year visibility over future activity, while the refit business is supported by an ageing installed cruise fleet and refurbishment programmes by major operators.
Riccardo Pompili, chief executive of De Wave Group, said the company entered the transaction ‘from a position of real strength’ after 12 years of building from three separate businesses into an integrated partner for marine interiors.
“In Renaissance Partners we found a partner with a genuine understanding of our industry and the ambition to build De Wave into an even stronger global platform,” said Pompili.
“Our reinvestment reflects our confidence in the business and our commitment to the journey ahead.”
Significant potential
Tommaso De Bustis, partner at Renaissance Partners, described De Wave as ‘a rare combination of market leadership, exceptional visibility and resilience, with significant potential ahead’.
And he said Renaissance Partners saw an opportunity to strengthen the group’s global leadership, expand in large yachts and adjacent marine segments, and pursue selective acquisitions.
The acquisition will focus on reinforcing De Wave’s market position, developing its presence across cruise ships, large-yacht refit and adjacent marine segments, improving operational and ESG performance, and continuing to build the group as a one-stop-shop partner for maritime interiors.
