Please select your home edition
Edition
Rooster 2025

Robertson and Caine to be acquired by Vox Ventures

by Robertson and Caine 16 Jun 2023 02:19 PDT
Robertson and Caine to be acquired by Vox Ventures © Robertson and Caine

Robertson and Caine, South Africa's leading boat builder which designs and manufactures sailing and power catamarans for the export market under its Leopard brand, is pleased to announce that founder and significant shareholder John Robertson together with the current private equity shareholders, Capitalworks, have entered into an agreement for the sale of Robertson and Caine to Vox Ventures.

Vox Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of PPF, a leading investment firm in Europe with its roots in the Czech Republic. PPF is active across a wide range of sectors with investments spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, biotechnology, real estate, mobility and e-commerce, across Europe, Asia and North America. The sale, which is expected to close in the second quarter of this year, is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions including requisite regulatory approvals.

Once concluded, this transaction would represent one of the most significant foreign direct investments in the marine industry in South Africa, demonstrating significant confidence in the Blue Oceans economy in the Western Cape and the South African Government's Oceans Economy Master Plan.

Robertson and Caine Co-founder, John Robertson commented, "After more than 40 years in the boat business and 32 years with Robertson and Caine, I am pleased to leave Robertson and Caine, our valued One R&C team members and our longstanding customer Travelopia in the hands of new shareholders of such stature. Finding like-minded shareholders who are committed to and focused on continuing to build Robertson and Caine and the Leopard brand as a key part of its growing marine industry presence globally, was of critical importance to me. Although it is a bittersweet moment, I feel confident that the legacy will continue to grow from strength to strength and that the business will be in the best hands."

Didier Stoessel, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of PPF Group commented: "PPF is pleased to have agreed this transaction with Robertson and Caine's founder and shareholders, who have achieved much success in building the Leopard brand. The quality of workmanship, skills and expertise of South African boatbuilders has attracted our investment. We are looking forward to working with the company's exceptional management team and employees to smoothly transition ownership and further build on the excellence the company has delivered over its more than 30-year history."

Theo Loock, Managing Director of Robertson and Caine commented "The Robertson and Caine team want to thank John Robertson and his family for the opportunity to be part of such an exciting business and for the honour of being associated with the Leopard brand all over the world. It is extremely pleasing to see that global investors like PPF are excited about the opportunities for South Africa in the marine industry. We look forward to the conclusion of the required regulatory processes and a smooth transition to the new shareholders. The management team is excited to work with the new shareholder to design Robertson and Caine's next 30 years and the strategic path to achieve it."

Darshan Daya, Co-founder of Capitalworks commented "Capitalworks has been privileged to partner with John Robertson and the world-class team at Robertson and Caine in building a globally competitive business. The transition of ownership to a strategic long-term shareholder, offers exciting new opportunities for the business to leverage PPF's significant manufacturing and technical expertise to continue to grow and develop the Leopard brand."

Related Articles

PredictWind launches PredictRain
New app From PredictWind delivers hyper-accurate, short-term rain predictions PredictRain is a groundbreaking standalone app that combines advanced AI modelling with intuitive tools to provide timely and precise rain forecasts for all types of outdoor activities. Posted today at 4:51 am
49er & 49erFX Junior Worlds champions crowned
One final race before the storm kicked in at Øresund The final day of the 2025 Junior World Championship delivered high drama and even higher waves. As wind and rain swept across the Øresund, Race Committees managed to run one final race before safety concerns forced an early end to the competition. Posted today at 4:43 am
Admiral's Cup: Emotional, Rare, Unforgettable
The 2025 Admirals' Cup set the stage for a bold new era in offshore racing Once the pinnacle of international offshore sailing, the return of the Admiral's Cup was a resounding success, setting the stage for a bold new era in offshire racing. Posted on 4 Aug
29er World Championship at Porto Day 2
The breeze never quite showed up but the action didn't stop Day two of the Porto World Championships began with hope—and strategy. With light winds in the forecast, the race committee scheduled an early start in anticipation of a short sea breeze window. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Aero World & Youth Worlds overall
The fine Brittany weather and afternoon sea breezes have provided excellent racing The stage was set for a dramatic final day showdown in Quiberon Bay, France, to decide the titles for the 7th RS Aero Worlds and 4th Youth Worlds. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Feva Worlds at Aix-les-Bains, France Overall
Crowning of our 2025 World Champions As our World Championships drew to a thrilling close on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation! Sailors and families were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their journey home. Posted on 4 Aug
ClubSwan 28 American Series launched
US-based regatta series unites high-performance design with competitive racing. Nautor Swan today announces the launch of the ClubSwan 28 American Series in collaboration with Terry Hutchinson and American Magic, a new high-performance racing circuit designed to ignite competitive sailing in the U.S. Posted on 4 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Safe Harbor Race Weekend starts Friday
Exciting racing, unforgettable shoreside festivities on tap Ever growing in popularity and caliber, the three-day Safe Harbor Race Weekend will host an impressive fleet of 73 boats on August 8 when it begins its fifth annual edition in Newport, R.I. Posted on 4 Aug
Tenerife Windsurf Grand Slam Day 3
Pierre Mortefon draws first blood after the wind fills in late After a couple of days of waiting for the wind, Day 3 eventually provided the goods to end the wait for some official competition as the Slalom X got under way during the early evening in 15-18 knots of wind. Posted on 4 Aug
Allen Dynamic 40 FooterLloyd Stevenson - AC Alinghi 1456x180px BOTTOMSea Sure 2025