Romain Motteau Has Agreed to Acquire Yacht Charter Firms
The former Fountaine Pajot leader will acquire Dream Yacht Charter, Navigare Yachting, and SamBoat from PPF Group.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Travel — General
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Romain Motteau has reached an agreement to acquire three major boating companies from the investment firm PPF Group. The deal, which involves Dream Yacht Charter, Navigare Yachting, and SamBoat, aims to create one of the largest yacht charter fleets globally.
Why it matters
PPF Group is divesting these nautical assets as part of a strategy to realign its portfolio toward long-term growth opportunities. The transition marks a significant shift in ownership for companies that have collectively shaped the international yacht charter industry.
SamBoat currently manages a network of over 36,400 vessels operating across 75 countries. The parent organization PPF Group maintains a broader business footprint across 25 countries worldwide.
The players
Romain Motteau
He is a former executive at Fountaine Pajot Group who is now leading a consortium to acquire multiple yacht charter businesses.
PPF Group
This is a large investment firm that has maintained a presence in the international boating sector since 2021.
Dream Yacht Charter
Founded in the Seychelles in 2000, this company is a major player in the global yacht charter industry.
Navigare Yachting
This charter operator was founded in 2001 and provides yacht rental services in various international markets.
SamBoat
Established in Bordeaux in 2014, this platform facilitates boat rentals and operates a large fleet across 75 countries.
The details
Led by Romain Motteau, the acquisition consortium is moving to consolidate these diverse marine brands under new leadership. The deal remains subject to final agreement terms and the receipt of necessary regulatory authorizations.
Timeline
Dream Yacht Charter was founded in 2000.
Navigare Yachting was established in 2001.
SamBoat was launched in 2014.
Romain Motteau stepped down from his role at Fountaine Pajot Group in July 2026.
The acquisition is expected to reach completion by the end of 2026.
Roadmap
This deal reflects a broader trend of private equity firms divesting from niche luxury travel sectors to reallocate capital into more scalable long-term assets. As the charter market consolidates, the resulting group will command one of the world's largest fleets.
Travelers and charter customers should monitor for potential changes to booking platforms or loyalty benefits as the brands transition under new ownership. The consolidation may eventually lead to shifts in the availability or pricing of yacht rental options across the 75 countries served.
The takeaway
Large-scale consolidation in the travel sector often leads to standardized booking experiences but may reduce the variety of independent charter options available to consumers. Travelers should verify if their existing reservations or loyalty credits are impacted by the upcoming ownership transition.
Further reading
Explore more industry trends and news in Travel — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marine Industry News.
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