Following a report yesterday by Sky News, Sunseeker has confirmed a pending change of ownership. A private-equity-led consortium will take over, about a year following two private-equity firms acquiring it.
KCP has partnered with Lionheart Capital, one of two private-equity firms that acquired the yacht builder in 2024, to acquire Sunseeker via a debt purchase. KCP, with offices in the United States, London, and Singapore, intends to take full ownership shortly thereafter. The acquisition “provides the financial stability and long-term commitment the business needs to deliver on its ambitions,” a statement reads. Furthermore, it adds, “KCP is fully supportive of Sunseeker’s existing business plan,” including adding to the Sunseeker Superyacht division. Specifically, last year the builder announced the addition of the Sunseeker 135 Yacht (below), with construction to take place at its Poole, England headquarters.
As part of the consortium plans, Andrés Rubio (top) will become the new CEO. Rubio is the founding partner of IMAN Capital Partners, a United Kingdom-based distressed/special situations investment services firm. He replaces Scott Millar, the interim CEO since late last year. A dual American and Spanish citizen, Rubio has about two decades’ experience in investing and finance. Joining him as non-executive chairman is Antony Sheriff, a Sunseeker board member since November 2024. Seriff is especially well-known in yachting for having been the executive chairman for Princess Yachts.
Rubio points to Sunseeker’s long history as being a primary reason for his interest. He further cites “a clear path to transformative growth.” “With the backing of KCP and Lionheart and an accelerated focus on delivering our ambitions, I look forward to the opportunities ahead,” he adds.
Sunseeker says that all shipyard operations will continue during the regulatory-approval process.
Sunseeker sunseeker.com