Next Yacht Group acquires metal fabrication company SIMAN
Next Yacht Group has acquired metal fabrication company SIMAN, accelerating its expansion in superyachts, and strengthening the Group’s industrial supply chain across Viareggio, Pisa and La Spezia.
Founded in 1988, SIMAN specialises in mechanical engineering, propulsion systems, and refit and maintenance services for yachts up to 60 metres in length. The company also operates in the commercial maritime and defence sectors, with a significant portfolio of ongoing contracts, including major projects for the Italian Navy.
Since 2000 it has acquired public contracts for the design and supply of fiberglass, light alloy and carbon steel constructions, operating on a range of vessels with different operational purposes.
Based in La Spezia, Italy, it has also been manufacturing its own brand into the M/Y pleasure craft market by creating the superyacht division in 2018.
Next Yacht Group was founded in 2021 following the acquisition of the historic FIPA shipyard, bringing together the historic brands of Maiora and AB Yachts. Based in Viareggio, each vessel is built in its 67,000 square meters of shipyards between Massa and Viareggio.
The Maiora range, with flybridge yachts from 30 to 50 meters, offers various propulsion options. The AB Yachts are high-performance vessels from 80 to 170 feet, with jet propulsion.
The acquisition of SIMAN marks a strategic milestone in Next Yacht Group’s vertical integration plan and further strengthens the Group’s industrial capabilities in the metal superyacht segment for its Maiora and AB Yachts brands.
Mario Petroni, Chairman of Next Yacht Group, said:
“The acquisition of SIMAN represents a natural evolution of our industrial growth strategy. This transaction expands our manufacturing capabilities in the strategically important metal yacht segment while strengthening a highly specialised Italian industrial supply chain.
“At the same time, it creates new opportunities for growth, innovation and employment.”
Alongside the acquisition, an industrial development plan has been launched, supported by a total investment of €20 million, of which €11 million has already been deployed. The plan aims to enhance production facilities, consolidate the order book and achieve full profitability by 2027.
The integration will enable Next Yacht Group to expand its production capacity through SIMAN’s industrial facilities in La Spezia and Pisa while establishing a new division dedicated to the construction of metal superyachts.
New metal yacht projects for both Maiora and AB Yachts are already under development, while the first 50-metre Maiora is currently under construction. The first new models will be unveiled by the end of 2026.
SIMAN’s 70 employees will remain, alongside the recruitment of 30 additional employees by Next Yacht Group, while SIMAN is expected to add approximately 15 new positions.