FOR THE NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
THE AZIMUT BENETTI GROUP
IS THE LARGEST MEGAYACHT BUILDER IN THE WORLD
ACCORDING TO “SHOWBOATS” ANNUAL CLASSIFICATION
avigliana (turin), 2 November 2006 – The Italian Azimut-Benetti group, world leader in luxury yachts, has been named the largest Megayacht building company in the world for the ninth consecutive year, taking the number one position in the classification created by the authoritative boating magazine Showboats International.
The classification analyses overall orders for the construction of 24-metre plus yachts bought in all shipyards around the world. Boat orders under construction at each yard are measured by adding together the length in feet of all the projects that have already been started.
The Azimut-Benetti order portfolio, at September 2006, stood at a total of 10,859 feet in total length for yachts over 24 metres under construction, from a total of 93 projects, confirming its clear leadership position for the ninth consecutive year in Showboats International classification.
Compared to the previous year the Azimut Benetti Group has seen its order portfolio grow by 30%, confirming the group's economic strength and the keen desire to consolidate its dominant position on the international market.
"I am extraordinarily satisfied to see once again that for the ninth consecutive year the Azimut-Benetti Group is number one in the production of luxury yachts,” commented President Paolo Vitelli, “it is a sign of the constant and growing faith that the market has in us and is fundamental for our desire to remain leader in the luxury sailing sector."
Azimut-Benetti Group’s final economic data for 2006 show strong growth:
· Production Value: +15% to 701 million euros (609 million € in 2005)
· Yachts and mega yachts total order portfolio: + 30 %
· Total investments: +45% to 220 million euros for the period 2008-2010
Europe proves to have the leading role in geographical terms making up 52% of sales (49% last year), which is in line with this sector’s market trends. The emerging markets of the Middle East and Pacific Asia increase their weight in terms of sales making up 16% (14% last year) of the total turnover. America on the other hand has a 32% share.
The Azimut-Benetti Group is world leader in the production of luxury yachts through the three prestigious brands Azimut Yachts, Atlantis and Benetti Yachts, each one aimed at a well-defined bracket of the sailing market:
· Azimut Yachts:
- Open Azimut S from 43 to 103 ft
- Flybridge from 39 to 62 ft
- Flybridge from 68 to 116 ft
· Atlantis Open from 35 to 55 ft
· Benetti Yachts
- Composite from 24 to 45 m
- Steel from 50 to 70 m
Thanks to a worldwide network of dealers in 55 countries with 126 offices, Azimut Benetti guarantees an unrivalled range of points of sale and an after-sales service for customers that is extremely high quality and supremely efficient.
The Azimut-Benetti Group today employs 2477 people directly, divided between the production units in Avigliana, Fano, Livorno, Piacenza, Viareggio and in the Refit & Repair centres of Lusben Viareggio, Benetti Livorno, Atlantis Varazze and Azimut Benetti Fort Lauderdale. These units and centres are state of the art in terms of world shipyards.
Furthermore, through Fraser Yachts, the world’s leading company in Brokerage, Charter and Yacht Management, the Group offers top quality services in chartering and managing yachts around the world.
Azimut-Benetti is also active in another strategic sector for sailing, Real Estate: Four Marinas in Viareggio, Varazze, Moscow (Himki lake) and Livorno, the last two soon to open in 2007 and 2009 respectively. More and more spaces will be needed for boats in the future to allow the market to grow. This business area is therefore aimed at providing a comprehensive service to future clients, from the yacht itself to somewhere to moor it, becoming an important key for future growth.
For further information:
Azimut Yachts Press Office
Avigliana (Torino-Italia) Tel. 0039 011 93 161 Fax 0039 011 93 16 688
e-mail: