Fairline Yachts bought by Bronzewood Capital
Fairline employs approximately 250 staff across two sites in Oundle and Suffolk.
Bronzewood Capital, the private equity arm of corporate recovery specialist Buchler Phillips, has acquired British boatbuilder Fairline Yachts, according to multiple reports.
As first detailed by Motor Boat and Yachting (MBY), the deal is understood to include all brand assets and tooling, but not the Oundle factory, which will continue to be leased from the current landlord. The transaction also excludes Fairline Yachts Limited and its outstanding liabilities.
A new holding company, Fairline Holdco Limited, was registered at Companies House on 25 March, although reports indicate the business will continue to operate under the Fairline name.
The announcement confirms weeks of speculation. On 24 March 2025, Sky News reported that a Bronzewood Capital-led consortium had ‘secured the status of preferred bidder for Fairline Yachts’.
Bronzewood is led by David Buchler, a chartered accountant and insolvency practitioner, who served for years as vice-chairman of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. He is also a long-time boat owner and experienced marine industry executive, having held a director-investor role at Ventura Yachts, the UK and Spain distributor for Ferretti Group brands. Buchler has also sat on the board of the English National Opera. He is joined at Bronzewood by Robin Southwell, the former CEO of Airbus UK.
Sky cited ‘sources close to Bronzewood’ as saying the firm intends ‘to retain the bulk of Fairline’s workforce as part of the deal’.
Fairline, based in Northamptonshire, employs around 250 staff across two sites in Oundle and Suffolk.
Fairline Yachts entered administration in January 2025, just two months after its acquisition by Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems Limited. Multiple bids were submitted for consideration by administrators Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP.
Speaking to MBY yesterday (9 April 2025), Buchler says: “Fairline is one of the great brands. Customers can have confidence the business is properly funded and we’re now moving forward positively into the future”.
He also confirmed that the full range of Fairline boats would “continue to be built at Oundle by the current workforce”, while Bronzewood carries out a six month assessment of the business to confirm “what works and what doesn’t, so we can make sure the business expands in a style that won’t lose money.”
Alvarez & Marsal Europe refused to issue any comment when approached by MIN this morning, but an announcement is expected in due course.
So, all the suppliers with outstanding accounts have been shafted then?
Let me guess, sale price was just enough to cover the administrators bill.
Fairline Boats Oundle
I was employed with them at Oundle. The Chair of the induction board was at that time the Mayor of Oundle. During the 1980’s there was a build facility at Corby, Northants. Limited to builds under 50 imperial feet.
Probably the best company I ever worked for. Under their ‘mentorship’ I was enabled to become a consultant to UAE interests. Long may Fairline survive this terrible storm.
A new chapter is about to be written!
Thank You for your time .. Regards Cebelle Systems*