Gulf marine powerhouse backs Wider in new luxury yacht growth strategy

Italian yacht builder Wider is accelerating its international ambitions after securing a strategic investment from Dubai-based OceanWorld Group, a move that highlights growing ties between European yacht manufacturing and the rapidly expanding Gulf marine market.

Wider (a superyacht and catamaran boatbuilder) and OceanWorld (yacht sales, distribution and management primarily serving the Gulf Cooperation Council region) have announced that they are launching a strategic partnership for global growth.

“The entry of OceanWorld into Wider’s capital is a fundamental moment that certifies the value of our vision,” says Marcello Maggi, board member of Wider Luxembourg. “It is not just a financial partnership, but a synergy of intent. OceanWorld is a partner that firmly believes in our growth path and the uniqueness of our products.”

Wider targets international expansion and product development

The idea is that OceanWorld’s investment will provide new financial resources to support Wider’s industrial plan, which is focused on increasing internationalisation and expanding the product range.

The agreement which sees OceanWorld Group officially joining the shareholding structure of Wider Luxembourg, provides for a gradual entry, planned to be completed by the end of 2026.

The transaction, finalised through a capital increase, is entirely subscribed by OceanWorld.

With the continued support of the existing shareholder and the contribution of the new investor, Wider says it now has an even stronger capital structure to support future growth.

Dubai-based OceanWorld strengthens presence in global yachting

The agreement builds on a collaborative relationship (joint venture brand) between Wider and OceanWorld that began in 2025 with the presentation of the Ocean Yachts brand and Oceans 47 at the Monaco Yacht Show. The model was developed in collaboration with Vripack Design Studio.

The industrial plan includes further development of Wider’s range and expansion of the global sales network, while maintaining its roots in the Marche region and targeting major international yachting hubs.

Lydia Pascarelli, CEO of OceanWorld Group, says the group’s excited to join Wider and contribute to its ongoing growth. “We have closely followed the shipyard’s evolution and look forward to supporting the brand’s global development. We believe Wider is well positioned to become a benchmark in luxury yachting.”

In 2024, Wider launched the first WiderCat 92 and the WiLder 60, while also unveiling the WiderCat 76.

Wider owner evolution

Wider has undergone a significant evolution in ownership and corporate structure over the past five years, combining Italian industrial roots with Luxembourg-based financial structures, and now Middle Eastern investment.

While Wider continues to position itself as an Italian yacht builder – with production, engineering and design operations centred in Marche, Fano and Venice – the company’s ownership structure has increasingly shifted towards Luxembourg-based holding entities.

The turning point came in 2019 when Wider was acquired by Italian yacht industry executive Marcello Maggi, co-founder of ISA Yachts. Ownership was structured through Luxembourg holding company W-Fin Sarl, establishing a framework that later evolved into Wider Luxembourg.

In 2021, Wider underwent a recapitalisation and restructuring programme aimed at relaunching the business following a difficult period for the shipyard. The company invested in hybrid propulsion technology, expanded its facilities and accelerated development of new product lines including the WiderCat range and WiLder series.

Over the following years, Wider moved into expansion mode with the launch of the 92, development of the Venice Superyacht Hub and continued investment in custom superyacht projects.

The entry of OceanWorld now adds a further international dimension to the company’s structure, combining Italian yacht manufacturing, Luxembourg financial ownership and Gulf-region strategic investment.

Despite the increasingly international shareholder profile, Wider’s operational base and manufacturing footprint remains firmly in Italy.