Cantiere del Pardo acquired by Italian fashion group

Italian fashion giant Calzedonia Group has acquired Wise Equity’s stake in luxury boatbuilder Cantiere del Pardo.

The boatbuilder, which is based in Italy’s north-east and manufactures sailing and motor yachts, was acquired by Italian private equity fund Wise Equity in 2020, which took a 60 per cent stake for an undisclosed sum.

Cantiere del Pardo’s historical managers, Fabio Planamente and Gigi Servidati, will maintain a minority stake in the company and remain partners of the company.

Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973, and has launched over five thousand boats — initially under the Grand Soleil brand and, more recently, with the Pardo Yachts and VanDutch Yachts brands.

With the arrival of Calzedonia Group, Cantiere del Pardo says it will pursue international growth and the development of new models, while continuing to invest in sustainability, innovation and research and development.