Ferretti: Weichai rejects speculation and reaffirms its role as strategic shareholder

Ferretti International Holding (FIH), the controlling shareholder of Ferretti and a company wholly owned by Weichai Group, has firmly rejected recent media and analyst speculation, describing it as inaccurate and misleading. The statement comes in the context of the voluntary conditional partial tender offer launched by Kkcg Maritime, which has brought renewed market attention to the governance and strategic outlook of the yacht builder.

FIH categorically denied allegations that it had obstructed growth initiatives or potential mergers and acquisitions involving the shipyard, describing such claims as factually incorrect and unfounded.

Weichai’s role in the group’s turnaround

In outlining its industrial contribution, Weichai recalled its entry into the capital of Ferretti in 2012, when the company was facing a difficult financial situation, with revenues of around €300 million and significant losses.

According to the holding company, capital injections totalling €470 million were made over the years, supporting a development path that led the group towards sustainable profitability.

For 2025, the group reported revenues of approximately €1.23 billion and a net profit of €90 million, supported by an order backlog providing multi-year visibility.

Industrial expansion and production footprint in Italy

The group’s growth has also been supported by industrial investments in Italy. Among the key initiatives, the holding highlighted the acquisition and development of the San Vitale shipyard in Ravenna, carried out between 2023 and 2024 with an investment of €140 million, aimed at increasing production capacity by approximately 30%.

Ferretti has also achieved the milestone of a dual listing, first on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2022 and later on Euronext Milan in 2023.

Corporate governance

FIH also clarified that its role as controlling shareholder does not translate into unilateral directives regarding the company’s management.

According to the statement, strategic decisions are taken through the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, in full compliance with the regulations of both listing markets, the company’s bylaws and established corporate governance best practices.

Remarks on the Kkcg Maritime offer

Finally, the holding expressed concern about speculation surrounding the partial tender offer launched by Kkcg Maritime, particularly regarding assumptions about the outcome of the transaction, potential shareholder voting intentions and future strategic directions.

FIH noted that such comments have circulated during a regulated period and stated that it reserves the right to protect its interests in the appropriate venues, while raising questions about the sources of these statements.

 

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