Derby’s Rolls-Royce has bought an Italian yacht parts manufacturer. Its German-based Power Systems subsidiary has bought Team Italia, which builds bridges for yachts, and a sister company called Onyx Marine, which builds electronic components and software for yachts.
Rolls-Royce said it meant the Power Systems business unit was now able to strengthen its position as a yacht “market leader” – and help it realise a ‘bridge to propeller’ strategy.
Team Italia systems are in service around the world on some 350 yachts of measuring 30 to 100m.
A spokesman said: “Having begun to collaborate on joint development projects in 2019, the two companies now agreed that the best way to realize strategic growth plans would be for Team Italia to become part of Rolls-Royce.
“Rolls-Royce can now offer leading-edge integrated bridge products as well as regulation, control, automation, and navigation systems, and many other functions for yachts.
“Team Italia benefits from the Rolls-Royce Power Systems worldwide distribution network which provides access to global markets and yacht makers worldwide.”
Team Italia, established in 2000, designs and develops bridges and marine navigation and automation systems – mainly for Italian yacht builders and shipyards.
Under the new name Team Italia Marine s.r.l., it will continues to operate in the Italian cities of Fano, Livorno and Forlì, while its 60-strong workforce will be taken over by Rolls-Royce.
Massimo Minnella will keep the role as managing director and Daniele Ceccanti as technical director, supported by Nicola Camuffo, head of the Rolls-Royce mtu Yacht Competence Centre in La Spezia.
Denise Kurtulus, vice president marine in the Rolls-Royce Power Systems team, said: "This acquisition is the next logical step on our way to becoming a provider of integrated solutions for the yacht industry.
“Our products complement each other perfectly, and with this step we expand our solutions portfolio significantly to enhance our market position and create further benefits for our customers.”
