Former Spurs exec set to sail in to Fairline

In a significant development for the British luxury yacht industry, an investment vehicle founded by a former Tottenham Hotspur Football Club executive is stepping in to save Fairline Yachts. The move comes with a commitment to keeping its manufacturing operations in the UK.

Sky News has learned that a consortium led by Bronzewood Capital, the private equity arm of advisory firm Buchler Phillips, has secured the status of preferred bidder for the Northamptonshire-based boat-builder.

Bronzewood’s boss, David Buchler, was previously a vice-chairman of Spurs.

Fairline Yachts collapsed into administration in January, prompting insolvency practitioners Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) to initiate a rigorous sale process involving numerous interested parties. The objective was to secure a viable future for the company and preserve its workforce.

A spokesperson for Bronzewood Capital stated, “We recognise the legacy of Fairline Yachts and its importance to the UK’s luxury boat-building industry. Our commitment is to ensure its continued operation and future success.”

Industry experts have welcomed the potential rescue, citing the importance of Fairline’s reputation for high-end craftsmanship and innovation in the sector.

Fairline Yachts, the stricken luxury boat-builder could be rescued by an investment vehicle founded by a former Tottenham Hotspur FC executive.

The move comes with a commitment to keeping its manufacturing operations in the UK.

A consortium led by Bronzewood Capital, the private equity arm of advisory firm Buchler Phillips, has been named as preferred bidder for the Northamptonshire-based company, according to Sky News.

Fairline Yachts collapsed into administration in January, appointing Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) to try and sell the business.

A spokesperson for Bronzewood Capital said: “We recognize the legacy of Fairline Yachts and its importance to the UK’s luxury boat-building industry. Our commitment is to ensure its continued operation and future success.”

Last month (February), Alvarez and Marsal revealed that it secured funding for the business and were seeking a buyer to take the iconic brand forward.

The additional funding, provided by its existing specialist lender DF Capital, enabled the business to continue the production and sale of its yachts for customers worldwide and retain its 250 employees.

The news comes after Northants-based Fairline collapsed into administration just weeks after it was bought by new investors.