Strategic new beginning at HanseYachts AG: Andreas Müller to acquire majority stake

HanseYachts © HanseYachts

HanseYachts AG intends, with new owners, to set the course for a stable and future-oriented development of the company in view of current global challenges. It is also conducting discussions regarding an adjustment of production capacities due to global market uncertainties.

This weekend, the long-standing majority shareholder Aurelius reached an agreement with the German family entrepreneur Andreas Müller and the CEO Hanjo Runde on a key terms paper ("term sheet"). The main key points for a takeover of the majority shares of Aurelius in HanseYachts AG were agreed upon therein. This term sheet forms the basis for further negotiations between the parties on the transaction and a final purchase agreement.

Andreas Müller and Hanjo Runde thus combine the values of family entrepreneurship with a forward-looking and current-conditions-oriented corporate management. They also see this as a clear commitment to the sustainable orientation of the company and to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The finalization of the transaction shall also be subject to further agreements by HanseYachts AG, in particular an agreement with the state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the financing banks, and the works council. Among other things, this concerns the restructuring of existing liabilities. Without anticipating the outcome, negotiations are being held with the works council regarding a reconciliation of interests and a social plan. The parties are engaged in intensive and constructive discussions.

Joint responsibility for a future-oriented company in Germany with global impact

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board assume that all parties involved are aware of their responsibility and are therefore confident that a viable solution concept can be developed promptly. This is especially in light of the fact that HanseYachts AG looks back on a strong first quarter of 2025. Revenue of approximately EUR 41 million, an EBITDA margin (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of around twelve percent, and a profit of two million euros underline the success of an innovation program initiated by the Executive Board, which has resulted in a strong brand and leading competitive position.

Above all, the following three key factors lead to structural consequences

Despite these operational successes, the industry remains exposed to significant pressures. We identify three key causes that are having an impact on the company: firstly, global economic uncertainty; secondly, weak economic conditions in core markets such as the USA and Germany; and thirdly, ongoing geopolitical conflicts and military confrontations. Taken together, these factors lead to a noticeable reluctance to invest in yachts.

The effects of the global economic situation on HanseYachts AG are delayed compared to competitors — a result of the company's high innovation momentum and the successful relaunch of almost the entire product portfolio.

Production will continue at full capacity until the end of June 2025 to serve the ongoing seasonal business. However, afterwards, production is to be adjusted in line with the significantly declining demand in order to ensure the economic stability of the company.

Hanjo Runde: "Finding responsible solutions together"

CEO Hanjo Runde states: "With family entrepreneur Andreas Müller, we would gain a sustainably-minded partner who can support our strategy in the long term. My entry into the group of shareholders represents a clear commitment to HanseYachts AG and its employees as well as to the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the region of Greifswald. We will do everything we can to find responsible solutions together with the state, the banks, and the works council. We will shape the upcoming transformation with the greatest possible transparency and responsibility."