Global marine interiors specialist more than doubled revenue and EBITDA
during Platinum Equity ownership, and surpassed EUR1 billion backlog
Transaction underscores Platinum Equity's commitment to investing and
operating in Italy
LONDON, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Equity announced today
the signing of a definitive agreement to sell De Wave Group ("De Wave"),
a leading provider of integrated marine interior and technical systems
solutions for the cruise and yacht industries. Financial terms were not
disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals
and is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Headquartered in Genoa, Italy, De Wave supports shipowners and shipyards
throughout the vessel lifecycle, from newbuilds to refits and upgrades.
Its capabilities span design and engineering, manufacturing, project
management and onboard installation, after-sales services, ship repair
and maintenance.
During Platinum Equity's ownership, De Wave more than doubled revenue
and EBITDA, grew its backlog to more than EUR1 billion and expanded its
international footprint, all while navigating one of the most
challenging periods in the history of the global cruise industry.
Platinum Equity acquired De Wave in October 2019. Shortly thereafter,
the cruise industry entered a period of unprecedented disruption during
the pandemic, as operators paused sailings and deferred newbuild and
refit activity.
Platinum acted decisively during the disruption, elevating Riccardo
Pompili to Group CEO and working closely with him to make key leadership
hires and internal promotions at the height of the pandemic.
"When we acquired De Wave, we saw a technically strong business with the
potential to become a more integrated global leader," said Louis Samson,
Co-President of Platinum Equity. "Within months, the company was
operating near the epicenter of Europe's initial COVID-19 outbreak while
serving an industry brought to a near standstill. Riccardo and his team
showed great leadership and together we rebuilt the business. It's a
remarkable story of achievement, perseverance and teamwork."
"De Wave is a compelling example of what our team can achieve in close
partnership with management," said Fernando Goni, Managing Director at
Platinum Equity. "We believe our operational focus and the combined
strength of our investment, operations and capital markets teams helped
strengthen leadership, improve execution and build a more integrated and
resilient platform through organic growth and M&A."
Highlights of the transformation include:
-- More than doubled revenue and EBITDA from acquisition levels, reaching
record fiscal 2025 revenue of more than EUR400 million and EBITDA of more
than EUR50 million
-- Elevated Riccardo Pompili to Group CEO during the pandemic and
strengthened the executive leadership team through key hires and internal
promotions
-- Completed a series of strategic add-on acquisitions that expanded De
Wave's product offering, technical capabilities and international
footprint
-- Advanced initiatives across pricing and margin discipline, sourcing,
project execution, technology, health and safety, and other core
operating capabilities
-- Expanded total backlog from approximately EUR500 million at acquisition
to more than EUR1 billion today, providing strong visibility across the
newbuild and refit businesses
"Platinum Equity was a committed partner throughout an extraordinary
period for our industry," said Riccardo Pompili, Group CEO of De Wave.
"The team acted decisively, supported our leadership and gave us the
resources to invest in De Wave's future. Together, we expanded our
capabilities, strengthened our international presence and created a more
integrated platform that can support customers throughout the lifecycle
of a vessel. I am deeply grateful to our employees for their dedication
and proud of what we have achieved. We look forward to working with
Renaissance Partners as we begin our next chapter."
Samson said the success of the De Wave investment marks another
important milestone for Platinum Equity in Europe and its commitment to
invest in Italy and other countries throughout the region.
"We have deliberately built our European deal platform with a diverse
team that can operate across multiple local languages and cultures.
Italy is a formidable market where having those capabilities is a
difference maker," said Samson. "With the leadership of Filippo Rossi
and Fernando Goni, our team has built strong local relationships and has
deep experience partnering with Italian founders, families and
management teams to support the development and international expansion
of their businesses."
Platinum Equity's current portfolio also includes Fantini Group (Ortona,
Italy), a producer and exporter of specialty-label wines, and Fratelli
Polli (Monsummano Terme, PT, Italy), a producer of pasta sauces,
condiments and vegetable preserves. Both remain active Platinum Equity
investments.
Lazard, Clearwater, UniCredit, New Deal Advisors, EY Tax and PWC Tax are
serving as advisors to Platinum Equity. Ropes & Gray is serving as legal
counsel. BCG is serving as strategic advisor to De Wave.
About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment
firm with approximately $48 billion of assets under management and a
portfolio of approximately 60 operating companies that serve customers
around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions
and operations -- a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O(R) -- acquiring
and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including
manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment
rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology,
telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 30 years Platinum
Equity has completed more than 550 acquisitions. For more information go
to www.platinumequity.com or visit Platinum Equity's newsroom for the
latest stories about the firm.
About De Wave Group
De Wave Group is a global provider of integrated marine interior and
technical systems solutions for the cruise and yacht industries. The
Group supports shipowners and shipyards across newbuild, refit and
upgrade projects through capabilities spanning design and engineering,
manufacturing, project management and onboard installation, after-sales
services, ship repair and maintenance. Its international network serves
customers across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Contact:
Dan Whelan
Platinum Equity
dwhelan@platinumequity.com
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SOURCE Platinum Equity