Bavaria Yachts History & Heritage
Bavaria Yachts embarked on an unconventional journey in 1978 when Winfried Herrman, a passionate boating enthusiast and owner of a uPVC window factory, partnered with yacht charter broker Josef Meltl. Together, they transformed the window factory into a series production shipyard, initially focusing on small sailing yachts.
Their vision was to streamline the boatbuilding process, introducing comprehensive industrialization to maximize efficiency. This innovative approach allowed Bavaria to offer yachts at significantly lower prices than competitors while maintaining profitability.
In a short span, Bavaria emerged as a major industry player, revolutionizing the marine sector by modernizing production methods and prompting other shipyards to follow suit. Over the years, the company experienced remarkable growth, diversifying into powerboats in 2001, which now constitute over half of its production.
In a strategic move, the founders sold Bavaria to Bain Capital in 2007, just before the onset of the financial crisis. Subsequent ownership by private equity investors Anchorage Advisors and Oaktree Capital Management proved successful until the next economic downturn. In 2018, Bavaria was acquired out of insolvency by Capital Management Partners, signaling a new chapter for the brand.
Under new ownership, Bavaria Yachts relaunched with a fresh lineup of boat and yacht designs, retaining much of its workforce and reaffirming its commitment to excellence in the industry.
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