Privilège Marine, which came under the control of the Czech industrial investment fund last October, welcomes a new CEO and asserts its positioning in the luxury catamaran market, emphasizing its eco-responsibility.

A new era has begun for the Olon-based Privilège Marine shipyard, which, after a difficult period, has been taken over by the Czech investment fund PPF Group, a recent player in the boating and yachting sector, but one which already generates sales of around 200 million euros, with major acquisitions such as Dream Yacht Worldwide, Navigare Yachting, Robertson & Caine and MarineMax (for a minority stake).

Until now, this acquisition has been rather discreet, but things are changing.

The first official announcement confirms the appointment of Gildas Le Masson as CEO of Privilège Marine, in the knowledge that his predecessor, Gilles Wagner, is leaving the group.

Last week, we announced the departure of Gildas Le Masson as CEO of Rochefort-based Nautitech Catamarans: now we know why.

In his new role, and with the support of PPF Group, Gildas Le Masson 's mission will be to strengthen the positioning of his brand of luxury catamarans dedicated to blue water cruising. The shipyard's offer will focus on innovation, and primarily on the search for alternative solutions to fossil fuel propulsion (an approach where the undisputed leader is Poland's Sunreef, and where France's Fountaine-Pajot stands out) - as well as on developing the range.

As such, Privilège Marine will be introducing new offers from autumn 2024, in order to best respond to market demands while retaining the DNA of the "Privilège" brand.

Didier Stoessel, Chief Investment Officer of PPF, explains to ActuNautique Yachting Art: "We are delighted to be working with Privilège Marine, manufacturer of the Privilège catamarans, one of, if not the, benchmark premium brand in the travel catamaran sector, and delighted to have met a team of enthusiasts committed to excellence. This acquisition consolidates our development strategy in the yachting sector, after acquiring Dream Yacht Charter, Navigare and Robertson & Caine over the past 3 years. It will enable us to develop our expertise in a new market segment and generate additional synergies.

Gildas Le Masson, new CEO of Privilège Marine, continues: "I am extremely enthusiastic about joining Privilège Marine as CEO, and deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead a passionate and committed team; I am delighted to be part of the adventure to contribute to the revival of this magnificent and historic builder of premium catamarans".

Decryption - In a difficult position in recent years, Privilège Marine now has the means to develop a sustainable strategy. The Port Olona shipyard employs over 200 people, and its order book to date represents sales in excess of 50 million euros.