- Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, may acquire Ferretti, parent company of Riva Yachts.
- Owner of a $224m superyacht, Arnault’s move into high-end maritime luxury makes sense.
- Ferretti’s Riva motorboats are often called the “Roll Royce of the Sea”.
In a world where private jets, sports cars, and palatial estates define ultra-wealthy status, every now and then, a choice stands out for its unconventionality. That is exactly what fashion icon and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Bernard Arnault did when he opted to make a humble custom 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI his personal ride of choice for decades.
Now, the world’s fifth-wealthiest person worth $257 billion AUD ($173 billion USD) is stirring things up with another unexpected move – setting his sights on acquiring the historic Italian yacht company Ferretti, a steep move into the heady world of marine elite opulence.
Does Bernard Arnault Own a Superyacht?
Already the owner of Symphony, a 333-foot $224 million AUD superyacht, Arnault’s latest ambition stretches far beyond personal indulgence. His interest in Ferretti, the iconic Italian brand and parent company of Riva motorboats, suggests a strategic play to reshape the luxury yacht industry.
His interest in Ferretti, the iconic Italian brand and parent company of Riva motorboats, would seem a strategic play to reshape the luxury yacht industry. According to a press release from Pambianco News, Arnault has initiated discussions with both Chinese shareholders and Italian partners of Ferretti, with the Chinese stakeholders, who control 40% of the company, showing openness to selling their majority share.
Why are Riva Yachts called ‘The Rolls Royce of the Sea’?
At the heart of Ferretti’s appeal lies Riva, the name that has commanded nautical excellence since 1842. Founded on Italy’s Lake Iseo by one Pietro Riva, the brand earned its nickname “Rolls Royce of the Sea” through its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
From James Bond-style speedboats to grandiose modern yachts, Riva’s vessels evoke nostalgia while embracing contemporary luxury. Their line varies from runabouts made of beautiful wood to cruisers to superyachts, and they continue to manufacture timeless vessels incorporating advanced technology to meet today’s top-of-the-line demands.
The Riva portfolio today spans from the $744,000 AUD Iseo to the magnificent $32 million AUD Riva 130 Bellissima. Each of its vessels is built by hand in Italy. As Ferretti CEO Alberto Galassi eloquently puts it:
‘At the end of the day, what we are selling is freedom, privacy, and lifestyle – on a boat, you can be with your wife, your child, or friends, all away from prying eyes.’
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Why is LVMH buying Riva Yachts?
Arnault’s interest in Ferretti may be more than just a personal indulgence; it aligns with LVMH’s long-standing strategy of acquiring and elevating luxury brands. Since Arnault took over the helm in 1989, he steered LVMH to become a powerhouse of the luxury market, from dominating fashion and leather goods to wines, watches, and perfumes.
Adding Ferretti would not only add a prestigious new chapter to LVMH’s already celebrated portfolio but also allow the company to redefine ‘luxury on the water,’ infused with the same creativity, heritage, and refinement that the company brings to all its brands.
What could this acquisition mean for Luxury Yachting?
Should this acquisition materialize, it could usher in a revolutionary era in luxury yachting. Imagine vessels where LVMH’s mastery of luxury retail meets Ferretti’s nautical excellence — superyachts with boutique-inspired interiors and lounge areas that rival the most exclusive fashion houses in Paris. From Louis Vuitton leather furnishings to Moët & Chandon champagne bars, each deck could boast the ultimate in high design, creating floating palaces that redefine maritime opulence.
As boundaries between luxury sectors merge, Arnault’s potential entry into the yachting world represents more than a business acquisition — it’s a glimpse into how the future of luxury could evolve on the high seas. It wouldn’t be surprising if, with LVMH’s resources and Ferretti’s heritage, a new category of designer yachts emerged — maritime masterpieces combining Italian craftsmanship with French luxury savoir-faire, capturing the imagination of the world’s most discerning clientele.
