In an effort to better serve its clients who wish to move up in size, Clearwater, Florida-based boat retail giant MarineMax has acquired Fraser Yachts from Italy’s Azimut|Benetti Group. Additionally, MarineMax strengthened its relationship with the Azimut|Benetti Group by expanding with Benetti Yachts, through a multiyear dealership agreement, to become its exclusive dealer for the Benetti Class of yachts in North America.
“The acquisition of Fraser is significant for MarineMax as it dramatically increases our presence and strength in the strategically important superyacht category,” says Brett McGill, chief executive officer and president of MarineMax. “We are also very excited to add the Benetti Class of yachts to our luxury motoryacht offering. The history and product of Benetti separates the brand from other yachts and will present larger and more luxurious options to many of our customers, who are looking for that next step.”
Monaco-based Fraser, founded in 1947, is a leader in yacht brokerage, yacht charter, yacht management, crew placement and new-build consultation. The company operates through 20 offices around the world with over 160 team members.
“We are excited about the future with MarineMax,” says Fraser Yachts CEO, Raphael Sauleau. “We are turning a new page, but in many ways, we are going back to our roots. Fraser Yachts was born in the USA. “The American market consistently accounts for 50 to 55 percent of our charter retail and yacht sales,” says Sauleau. “Yachting has been led by the American market for some time. Our alliance with MarineMax increases our footprint in that market and for clients of MarineMax, it opens up a trusted and experienced provider for those wishing to move into the large yacht sector. MarineMax has been the world’s leading dealer of Azimut Yachts since 2006, and in addition to their acquisition of Fraser today, they also add the Benetti Class into their portfolio which makes for some incredible synergies,” Sauleau says. “Despite what some may have experienced this year, at Fraser we can see that the worldwide market for large yachts for sale and charter remains strong. This is the perfect opportunity for MarineMax and Fraser to unite and combine our client-centric approach to doing business in yachting for the benefit of both of our client bases.”
Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, acquired Benetti in 1985. The Azimut|Benetti Group is annually ranked as the largest motoryacht builder in the world.
“This alliance will enable us to further grow our footprint across North America and share with our clients an extended range, and depth, of 24 meters+ (79 feet +) yacht services, support and guidance including yacht management, charter management, crew placement and charter vacations,” said Chuck Cashman, chief revenue officer of MarineMax.
The entire Fraser team will remain in place and continue to manage activities, says McGill. Current directors Paolo Vitelli and Roberto Giorgi will remain with Fraser in an advisory capacity.
