Bosses at Sunseeker International say the company will remain Dorset-based

Luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker has been officially bought by China’s largest premier commercial property
and entertainment conglomerate.

The Dalian Wanda Group completed its acquisition of Sunseeker International yesterday, it has been confirmed.

In June this year it was announced that Dalian Wanda would be investing £320million to acquire a majority
shareholding of 91.81% in
Sunseeker International Ltd, with the remaining 8.19% of shares acquired by Sunseeker
management.

In a statement released today, Stewart McIntyre, managing director of Sunseeker International said:

‘With reference to our recent correspondence and discussions in connection with corporate activity at Sunseeker, I am writing to confirm that, following the approval by the relevant Chinese regulators, the acquisition of Sunseeker by Dalian Wanda Group completed yesterday.
 
‘As previously confirmed and as part of this transaction, Sunseeker will remain a British company, headquartered in Poole and will maintain its existing primary production base in Dorset, along with its current workforce and infrastructure.
 
‘The existing management team will remain on the Sunseeker Boards and Robert Braithwaite, the founder of the company, will continue to be involved in the business and remain as Group President.

‘Robert and Sunseeker’s management team have made a significant reinvestment in the business, providing continuity and a strong platform for the new model programme currently being developed in Poole.

‘The new majority shareholder, Dalian Wanda Group, China’s largest premier commercial property and entertainment conglomerate, supports Sunseeker’s commitment to superior products and its premium brand, both of which will be further enhanced by their involvement in the business.

‘This is fantastic news for the business, the wider Sunseeker family, the motor yacht industry and will allow Sunseeker to expand its global base still further while retaining its current operational and manufacturing infrastructure at our headquarters in Poole.’

Pictures:

The Sunseeker China Limited edition model on display outside its Poole headquarters. Credit: Laura Kitching.

Stewart McIntyre, Managing Director of Sunseeker International Ltd. Credit: Dalian Wanda Group.