It is reported that Italian luxury yacht company
Ferretti has experienced high demand for its yachts in recent years, with profits soaring to €158m on a turnover of €933m to year end 31 August 2007. There is speculation that the listing could value Ferretti at up to €3bn (US$4.75bn).
Ferretti was previously listed on the Milan exchange by Permira in 2000. The London-based buyout firm then re-acquired Ferretti in 2002 before selling down its stake to a 9.5% shareholding in 2006, when Candover bought a 60% stake in a deal which valued the company at €1.7bn (US$2.69bn).
Autumn is thought to be the most likely time for the business to float.