In a decisive move signaling new momentum for superyacht services, private equity firm Ancient has made a strategic investment in Burgess, the storied brokerage and management company that has defined half a century of yachting excellence.
This partnership brings together Burgess’s deep-rooted legacy — founded in 1975 by Nigel Burgess and shaped over decades under CEO Jonathan Beckett — with Ancient’s long-term capital philosophy and operational expertise. Ancient, which specialises in niche service platforms for ultra-high-net-worth clients, describes the deal as a way to fuel Burgess’s future growth while preserving its independence and service culture.
From the perspective of yacht refit and ownership advisory, this is a strategically significant consolidation. Burgess isn’t just a broker — its global infrastructure supports new construction, charter, yacht management, crew services, and insurance across 18 offices in key yachting hubs. With Ancient’s backing, Burgess is now better positioned to scale its technology, talent, and service capabilities — particularly in areas like refit project management, where long-term operational excellence is paramount.
Burgess’s leadership has emphasised that this isn’t a takeover: the senior management team, including Beckett and Managing Director Ian Armstrong, remains firmly in place. Their continued stewardship signals that Burgess’s values — craftsmanship, trust, and a deeply personal client experience — remain central to its mission.
From Ancient’s side, the investment aligns perfectly with its “masterpieces, not many pieces” doctrine: backing fewer, high-impact companies that define their categories. Burgess’s global reach, reputation for technical excellence, and role in high-stakes yacht transactions gave the firm the alignment Ancient was seeking.
In practical terms, this capital injection will enable Burgess to expand more aggressively into technology-driven services — think advanced owner portals, predictive maintenance advisory, and refined refit oversight. It also allows the firm to attract top-tier talent in engineering and project management, reinforcing its ability to oversee technically demanding refit programmes and new-build advisory.
For yacht owners, brokers, and project teams, this partnership underlines a broader industry trend: the yachting world is no longer just about buying and chartering — it’s about long-term stewardship. Burgess, now strengthened by Ancient’s strategic support, emerges as a more resilient, future-ready partner in guiding refit, resale, and operational strategy for the world’s most discerning clients.
In short: Ancient’s investment in Burgess is a bold statement — one that reaffirms Burgess’s legacy while paving the way for a modern, more integrated future in superyacht services.
