Nepteam purchases Couach

It has been confirmed that the Couach Group has been acquired by French company, Nepteam.

The shipyard had been purchased by businessman Fabrice Vial as recently as 2009, but Vial was murdered in Spring 2011 on board his yacht in Porto Vecchio. However, even before this tragic event, Vial had been in the market for a buyer for Couach.

The company had continued to endure a tough time under his ownership, despite two substantial superyacht projects currently in build, and had been courted by the Chinese conglomerate, Weichai, which has also made approaches on the Ferretti Group in Italy.

However Nepteam’s Director, Florent Battistella, with the backing of both HSBC and Deutsche Bank, appear to have swooped in and snatched the deal for the French shipyard. Clearly, the strength of the yard’s current order book, and rich shipbuilding heritage appear attractive enough for the French equity company to take a gamble.

Nepteam has issued a statement confirming that it intends to retain full employment levels at the Couach shipyard in Gujan Mestras. Its refit services will be relocated to the former Toulon Naval Air Station near the present Saint Mandrier site. The new owners also have ambitious plans for the future involving a dedicated R&D department that will focus on new propulsion, material and construction technologies.


Related Links

Couach Profile

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