Dufour and Grand Soleil are in line to be bought by German boatbuilding behemoth Bavaria with an announcement expected at December’s Paris Boat Show.

Bavaria Yachtbau is currently the highest bidder for French boatbuilder Dufour Yachts and its Italian rival Cantiere del Pardo, which owns the Grand Soleil brand.

A rival bid has been tabld by investment fund, Orlando Italy, but the banks who currently control the two manufacturers have announced a preference for Bavaria’s offer.

Bavaria CEO Jens Ludmann has said that the three boat brands ‘complement one another’ and told IBI that contract negotiations are underway.

Subscribe to Yachting Monthly magazine for all the latest sailing news and reviews.