Shareholder Dispute at Ferretti Casts Spotlight on Weichai Power

Major investors clash over Ferretti's direction as Weichai Power is accused of blocking growth. The yacht maker's financial recovery is highlighted amid the conflict.

A public disagreement between major investors in luxury yacht maker Ferretti Group has drawn attention to its significant shareholder, Weichai Power. The core of the dispute involves allegations that Weichai has obstructed growth initiatives and potential acquisitions at the Italian shipbuilder.

Operational Success Amidst Conflict

Ferretti International Holding (FIH), the holding company, has publicly refuted these claims. In a statement issued on March 9, FIH pointed to its investment track record as a defense. When Weichai Power initially invested in Ferretti in 2012, the company was facing severe financial difficulties, reporting revenues of approximately €300 million alongside substantial losses. According to FIH, a subsequent capital injection totaling €470 million over the following years was instrumental in restructuring the business and returning it to profitability. By 2025, Ferretti Group’s financial performance had transformed dramatically, with revenues reaching about €1.23 billion and a net profit of €90 million.

The Roots of the Clash

The clarification from FIH follows a concrete shareholder conflict that escalated earlier this year. In January 2026, KKCG Maritime, Ferretti's second-largest shareholder, launched a voluntary conditional partial takeover offer valued at up to €182 million—a proposal that was rejected by Weichai Power. Reports further indicate that KKCG was preparing to call a vote aimed at removing directors affiliated with Weichai from the company's supervisory board.

Weichai's Broader Business Focus

Separate from the Ferretti contention, Weichai Power's core operations continue to advance. The company's strategic emphasis on green technologies is being demonstrated through projects like a ship in Singapore operating entirely on B100 biofuel and the supply of gas-powered buses to Uzbekistan. In a separate positive development for its equity, Weichai Power is set to be included in the FTSE China 50 Index after the market close on March 20. This upcoming inclusion had recently provided upward momentum for the company's H-shares.

The resolution of the shareholder dispute surrounding Ferretti is likely to influence the valuation of this investment and, consequently, market sentiment toward Weichai Power's stock in the coming months.