This weekend, the long-standing majority shareholder Aurelius reached a preliminary agreement with the German family entrepreneur Andreas Müller and the CEO Hanjo Runde on a key terms paper. The main key points for a takeover of the majority shares of Aurelius in HanseYachts AG – the German yacht manufacturer and builder of brands including Hanse, Fjord, Moody, and Ryck brands – have been agreed upon. These terms will form the basis for further negotiations between the parties on the transaction and a final purchase agreement.
According to a statement, HanseYachts AG intends, with new owners, to set the course for a stable and future-oriented development of the company in view of current global challenges.
The company is also conducting discussions regarding restructuring to realign production capacity due to global market uncertainties.
Andreas Müller and Hanjo Runde thus combine the values of family entrepreneurship with a forward-looking and current-conditions-oriented corporate management. They also see this as a clear commitment to the continued presence of HanseYachts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
CEO Hanjo Runde says: “With family entrepreneur Andreas Müller, we would gain a sustainably-minded partner who can support our strategy in the long term. My entry into the group of shareholders represents a clear commitment to HanseYachts AG and its employees as well as to the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the region of Greifswald. We will do everything we can to find responsible solutions together with the state, the banks and the works council. We will shape the upcoming transformation with the greatest possible transparency and responsibility.”
The finalization of the transaction shall also be subject to further agreements by HanseYachts AG, in particular an agreement with the state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the financing banks, and the works council. Among other things, this concerns the restructuring of existing liabilities. Without anticipating the outcome, negotiations are being held with the works council regarding a reconciliation of interests and a social plan. The parties are engaged in intensive and constructive discussions.
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The executive board and supervisory board believe that all parties involved are aware of their responsibility and says they are therefore confident that a viable solution concept can be developed promptly.
This is particularly the case in light of HanseYachts posting a strong first quarter of 2025. Revenue of approximately €41 million, an EBITDA margin (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of around 12 per cent, and a profit of €2 million underline the success of an innovation program initiated by the executive board, which has resulted in a strong brand and leading competitive position.
Despite these operational successes, the industry remains exposed to significant pressures. Firstly, global economic uncertainty; secondly, weak economic conditions in core markets such as the USA and Germany; and thirdly, ongoing geopolitical conflicts and military confrontations. Taken together, these factors lead to a noticeable reluctance to invest in yachts.
The effects of the global economic situation on HanseYachts AG are delayed compared to competitors, it says — a result of the company’s innovation and the successful relaunch of almost the entire product portfolio. Production will continue at full capacity until the end of June 2025 to serve the ongoing seasonal business. However, afterwards, production is to be adjusted in line with the significantly declining demand in order to ensure the economic stability of the company.