Administrators Descend on Sunseeker Dealer

by Jeni Bone on 13 Nov 2008 Sunseeker's east coast dealership, headed by Rick Rodwell, has gone in to voluntary administration.

Troy Barbagallo, director of Sunseeker Australia, the national distributor for the brand, said that despite the shock development, 'For us, it’s business as usual'.

'We’re still selling boats. Our main focus is the Sunseeker owners. We will handle all the service and warranty enquiries. Our Brisbane and Sydney offices remain open. Sunseeker is still trading and key personnel are in the offices.'

Rodwell represented the brand on the east coast for eight years, and according to Barbagallo, played a big role in building the name on the east coast.

'Rick was an independent dealer. He also had lots of other interests. This voluntary administration has nothing to do with Sunseeker Australia.'

As for appointing another dealer, Barbagallo said they have not made any decisions yet, pending the outcome of the administrative process.

WA sales are strong for Sunseeker, but Sydney and Gold Coast are traditionally the brand’s biggest markets. While Barbagallo admitted that sales have not been the same as last year, 'We are still satisfied with sales.'

In the UK, Sunseeker reported turnover for the year to July was up 22 per cent to a record £293m and after-tax profits rose 19 per cent to £13.9m. The bulk of this went straight back into the business, as it paid no dividend but took on 312 factory workers and added shipyard facilities to cater for 30 to 45m yachts.

The Dorset-based business is the UK's biggest motor yacht builder with its range of 22 models crowned by the £11m Predator 130. Its vessels are now a popular fixture in the James Bond films.

Robert Braithwaite, Sunseeker's managing director, said: 'The company's order book is currently running at an all-time high with firm orders for the next two to three years, so it is set for another banner year in 2009.'

Sunseeker has at least five yachts under development and due to be launched over the next year.