Olon, France – A new chapter unfolds for Privilège Marine, the renowned catamaran builder. After being acquired by the Czech investment giant PPF Group last October, the shipyard welcomes a new CEO and charts a course toward eco-conscious innovation.
This marks a significant turnaround for Privilège Marine. Following a period of challenges, the shipyard finds itself under the wing of a powerful player in the yachting industry. PPF Group, with existing investments in Dream Yacht Worldwide, Navigare Yachting, Robertson & Caine, and a minority stake in MarineMax boasts an impressive 200 million euro portfolio in the boating sector.
While the acquisition initially flew under the radar, recent developments signal a shift. Gildas Le Masson has been appointed as the new CEO of Privilège Marine, succeeding Gilles Wagner who has departed the group. This move comes after Le Masson’s recent departure from his previous role at Nautitech Catamarans.
With the backing of PPF Group, Le Masson’s mission is clear:
solidify Privilège Marine’s position as a leader in luxury blue water cruising catamarans. Innovation, particularly in the realm of alternative propulsion solutions (a space currently dominated by Sunreef of Poland and prominently pursued by Fountaine-Pajot of France), will be a key focus. Additionally, the shipyard plans to expand its product range.
New offerings are expected as early as autumn 2024, designed to meet evolving market demands while preserving the essence of the “Privilège” brand.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Privilège Marine, a benchmark brand in the premium travel catamaran market,” declares Didier Stoessel, Chief Investment Officer of PPF. “We’re impressed by their passionate and dedicated team. This acquisition aligns with our yachting sector development strategy, following acquisitions like Dream Yacht Charter, Navigare, and Robertson & Caine in recent years. It allows us to broaden our expertise and create synergies.”
Gildas Le Masson echoes this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for leading the shipyard. “I’m deeply honored to lead this dedicated team at Privilège Marine and contribute to the revival of this historic builder of premium catamarans.”
