The profitable Saint-Nazaire yard, an important cruise ship builder in its own right, has been for sale as part of the demise of South Korea's STX Offshore & Shipbuilding group.
STX owns two-thirds of STX France. The remaining third is held by the French state, which intends to keep its minority share.
The sale of the French yard, which last year delivered Harmony of the Seas, world's largest cruise ship, was expected to be concluded by year-end 2016.
While news reports in November said four parties, including Fincantieri, France's DCNS Group, the Netherlands' Damen and an unnamed, non-Korean entity had expressed interest, last week Fincantieri emerged as the sole bidder.
Fincantieri confirmed receiving notice from STX Europe adviser Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers that it is the preferred bidder for a 66.6% stake in the French facility. Terms have not been disclosed. Perspective from French officials is awaited.
STX France is scheduled to complete MSC Meraviglia this year, and 2018 deliveries include Oasis 4 for Royal Caribbean International and the first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge, for Celebrity Cruises. MSC Bellissima and a Meraviglia-Plus ship are due in 2019, a second Celebrity Edge ship, Celebrity Beyond, and another Meraviglia-Plus vessel in 2020, Oasis 5 and Edge 3 in 2021, Edge 4 and a new-design World-class ship for MSC in 2022, plus a second MSC World-class vessel in 2024.
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