HanseYachts AG, a leading European yacht manufacturer, is poised for transformation with family entrepreneur Andreas Müller taking a majority stake in the company. This transition signifies a pivotal change for the Greifswald-based yacht maker as it faces fluctuating global market dynamics.
New Ownership Brings Family Business Values
The company’s long-standing majority shareholder, Aurelius, has reached an agreement with Müller and current CEO Hanjo Runde on a key terms paper that establishes the framework for the acquisition. This term sheet lays the groundwork for continued negotiations toward a final purchase agreement.
The partnership between Müller and Runde aims to blend traditional family entrepreneurship values with forward-looking corporate management practices. Their collaboration represents a commitment to sustainable business practices and continued investment in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region.
Before the acquisition can be finalized, several conditions must be met, including agreements with the state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, financing banks, and the company’s works council. Discussions are currently underway regarding the restructuring of existing liabilities and potential workforce adjustments.
Balancing Strong Performance Against Market Headwinds
Despite current challenges, HanseYachts AG has demonstrated remarkable operational strength in early 2025. The company reported approximately €41 million in revenue for the first quarter, with an impressive EBITDA margin of around twelve percent and profits of €2 million. These figures underscore the success of an innovation program initiated by the executive board that has positioned the company competitively in the market.
However, the yacht industry faces significant external pressures that are affecting even well-performing companies like HanseYachts. The management team has identified three key factors creating structural challenges:
- Global economic uncertainty
- Weak economic conditions in core markets such as the USA and Germany
- Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and military confrontations
These factors have combined to create a noticeable reluctance among consumers to invest in luxury items like yachts. While HanseYachts has experienced these effects later than some competitors—thanks to its robust innovation momentum and successful product portfolio renewal—the impact is now unavoidable.
Production Adjustments Planned as Strategic Response
The company plans to maintain full production capacity through the end of June 2025 to fulfill current seasonal demand. However, following this period, HanseYachts intends to adjust production levels in accordance with declining market demand to ensure the company’s economic stability.
“With family entrepreneur Andreas Müller, we would gain a sustainably-minded partner who can support our strategy in the long term,” said CEO Hanjo Runde. “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.”
As HanseYachts navigates this transitional period, the company’s leadership remains focused on leveraging its strong brand reputation and product innovation to weather current market conditions while positioning itself for sustainable growth when global economic conditions improve.
