Superyacht firm Burgess receives investment from Ancient
Superyacht brokerage and management firm Burgess has been acquired by investment firm Ancient, in a bid to strengthen its core operations and unlock strategic growth opportunities globally.
Burgess offers full superyacht services, from charter and brokerage to new build, yacht management, crew services and insurance. Founded in 1975 by Nigel Burgess, it has been led since 1992 by CEO Jonathan Beckett.
It operates globally with 18 offices, including London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Asia, and the Middle East.
The new partnership is intended to further Burgess’ position in the industry, while simultaneously broadening Ancient’s portfolio of specialised, service-intensive businesses for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Beckett said:
“Partnering with Ancient gives Burgess the resources, scale and creativity we want to accelerate our leadership position in the industry, without compromising our independence or our culture.”
Ancient is a private equity investment firm and long-term investor in speciality finance and services. Founded in 2020 and led by Chairman and CEO Alexander Klabin, the company’s other holdings include luxury auction house Sotheby’s, private aircraft management firm Solairus Aviation and clothing brand Faherty.
Loren Easton, Ancient’s Senior Managing Director – Head of Private Investing, commented:
“Burgess represents the highest standards in the superyacht industry. Burgess’s enduring legacy, global reach, and commitment to service align perfectly with Ancient’s mission to invest in category-defining platforms built for the long term.”
Burgess’ senior leadership team will remain within the business following the acquisition.
Ian Armstrong, Burgess’ Managing Director, concluded:
“This partnership empowers us to invest further in technology, talent, and the evolving needs of our clients, while remaining true to the values that define Burgess.”
Ian Armstrong– Managing Director at Burgess