Premier Marinas has bought the Trafalgar Wharf site in Portsmouth Harbour from Jonny Boys.
The purchase includes an indoor dry stack boat storage facility and the Trafalgar Shipyard.
Operationally, staff will transfer across to the new owners and the business will carry on as before.
Jonny took on the old Vosper Thorneycroft shipyard more than 15 years’ ago.
“It’s been fabulous to see how Trafalgar has grown, thanks to a team of brilliant staff and loyal clients,” he said. “In Premier, I believe we found the right buyer. They have the experience, depth and ultimately, all their profits go to the Wellcome Trust to further scientific research.”
Bespoke refit
The dry stack boat storage facility has space for more than 300 small boats while the shipyard provides bespoke refit and maintenance programmes for both commercial vessels and private yachts.
The wider Trafalgar Wharf site is a hub for a range of marine and non-marine businesses. It will be known as Premier Trafalgar Wharf.
Trafalgar Group will continue to trade through other businesses which have not been included in the transaction – including Boat Club Trafalgar, RIBs For Sale, Ballistic RIBs, Thornham Marina and Gatcombe House Serviced Offices. The Trafalgar Group businesses on the site will continue to operate as usual.
“These will form the foundation of the Trafalgar Group,” added Jonny. “However, with change also comes opportunity. And I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for possible acquisitions where a bit of Trafalgar magic can make a difference.”
Premier Marinas CEO, Pete Bradshaw added: “We’re delighted to add the Trafalgar Wharf site to the Premier portfolio and welcome new team members into our family.
“The acquisition marks yet another milestone for Premier as we continue to invest and grow our business. Trafalgar Wharf adds new capabilities to our group and we’re confident that we will be able to combine the knowledge of the existing team and our wider operational experience to further enhance the site and operations.”
