SUNSEEKER has been sold to a Chinese commercial property conglomerate in a £320 million deal, it has been confirmed today.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Dalian Wanda Group had been looking to invest in the UK, with the Poole-based luxury yacht builder firmly on its radar.

It was confirmed this morning by Dalian Wanda that it will acquire a 91.81 per cent shareholding in Sunseeker, with the remaining 8.19 per cent being taken on by Sunseeker management.

As reported, it has been promised that the day-to-day running of Sunseeker in Poole will be unaffected, with its 2,500-strong workforce keeping their jobs. The deal is set to be sealed by mid-August.

Stewart McIntyre, MD of Sunseeker International Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be joining the Wanda family. Support from Wanda will be instrumental in enabling Sunseeker to unlock the enormous potential of China’s rapidly expanding luxury yacht market.

“Combined with Wanda’s outstanding track record of entrepreneurship and history of commitment to supporting leading global brands, this investment will provide an excellent foundation for Sunseeker’s next phase of growth. Wanda’s history of managing global brands after acquisition makes clear that it will continue to invest in Sunseeker and support our management team as we take the company to the next stage of development.”

Wanda chairman Wang Jianlin added: “Acquiring Sunseeker deepens Wanda’s international influence, further enhances our position in the global luxury, entertainment and tourism markets, and represents an important step forward for the overall development of our business. With the committed support of Wanda, Sunseeker is well-placed to take full advantage of opportunities in China, one of the world’s fastest growing luxury yacht markets. We are confident that this will bring Sunseeker’s business to the next level.

“As a global brand in the luxury motor yacht sector with a rich history, Sunseeker is synonymous with quality and design leadership, and dedication to brand excellence. Wanda recognises the importance of Sunseeker’s investment in innovation, the quality craftsmanship produced by its skilled workforce and its commitment to using the world’s best components. We are committed to long-term investment in the Sunseeker business, its people and its iconic brand.”

Wanda said that, under its ownership, Sunseeker would remain a British company with its headquarters in Poole and would keep its production bases, workforce and management.

Founder Robert Braithwaite will continue his involvement as Group President.

Wanda also announced yesterday that it had reached an agreement with Green Property to develop a real estate project in Central London, which will include the company’s five-star luxury Wanda hotel.