Dutch aluminium and steel superyacht builder Heesen Yachts has been acquired by Dutch entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last. According to Heesen, Last is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate yachtsman that brings with him extensive business experience and a deep personal connection to the yachting lifestyle and community.
The strategic transaction is to secure Heesen‘s future, reinforcing its legacy of innovation, craftsmanship and commitment to delivering exceptional luxury yachts. Last’s acquisition of Heesen strengthens the company’s financial foundation and ensures its ongoing dedication to building industry-leading yachts.
‘This acquisition is more than an investment – it’s a dream,’ says Last. ‘Heesen represents the pinnacle of Dutch engineering and maritime craftsmanship. I am honoured to take the ownership and ensure the brand continues to flourish for generations to come.’
Also read: Heesen sells 50-metre hybrid yacht Project Orion
Record performance in 2024
Heesen reported a record-breaking financial performance in 2024, with revenue reaching EUR 209 million and EBITDA of EUR 17 million, underscoring its solid foundation and readiness for future growth. Under Last’s leadership, the company will continue to focus on global sales expansion, technological innovation, and excellence in yacht design and construction.
Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Laurens Last to the Heesen family. His profile is a perfect fit: a successful Dutch entrepreneur with a genuine passion for yachting. His vision and commitment will enable us to preserve the legacy our clients value while propelling Heesen into an exciting future.’
With its state-of-the-art shipyard and in-house luxury interior division, Heesen controls every phase of the yacht building process – from concept and engineering to final outfitting.
Also read: VIDEO: Heesen launches 55-metre superyacht Solemates
Changes in ownership
Heesen Yachts first changed hands back in 2008 when founder and owner Frans Heesen sold the company to English investment company Topaz Investment International. However, one of the owners of this company was Russian entrepreneur Vagit Alekporov. So in 2022, Heesen feared it would suffer from sanctions imposed on Russians following the start of Russia’s was on Ukraine and initiated a process to transfer Alekporov’s shares to an independent foundation.
This was successful in the end, which meant the shares ended up in the foundation that was governed by Dutch board members of Heesen Yachts.
Picture: Laurens Last and Niels Vaessen (photo by Ruben Griffioen and Georges van Wensven).
Also read: Heesen Yachts manages to sever ties with Russian owner after all
