Thomas Brette, 51, has acquired Black Pepper Yachts, the renowned boutique shipyard founded in 2007 by Michel Douville de Franssu and widely recognised for its exceptional yachts. This transition marks a pivotal milestone for the company and reflects a strong commitment to preserving the Black Pepper DNA: advanced technical expertise, refined design, performance, and intelligent customisation.

Today, Black Pepper Yachts stands among the very few French shipyards capable of building premium custom yachts, from 8 to 25 metres, both monohulls and catamarans, with a level of precision and craftsmanship more commonly associated with much larger vessels. With several dozen yachts already on the water, a network of leading partners including North Sails, Multiplast, Harken, Karver, Lorima and Facnor, and a close-knit, expert and agile team, the yard embodies a rare artisanal know-how recognised in France and internationally.

“For me, Black Pepper Yachts is a multi-faceted diamond. It is both a precious legacy and a tremendous source of inspiration and passion. My ambition is to make this gem of French yachting shine even more brightly by bringing my industrial experience to the company and giving the teams the means to grow, while continuing to work with the best players in the industry. We will build on what makes the brand strong, while further structuring and diversifying our offering,” says Thomas Brette, a former industrial executive who spent 25 years with the BIC Group, where he served as Managing Director and remains a shareholder.

Thomas Brette is committed to ensuring continuity and to supporting the quality of ongoing programmes, including the flawless delivery of yachts currently under construction.

“By strengthening the organisation and attractiveness of the yard, I want to welcome new talent and renowned naval architects. I also intend to diversify and evolve the range — in both catamarans and one-off monohulls — without ever compromising the premium, innovative and performance-driven DNA that defines Black Pepper. This is a collective endeavour. I am listening closely to both employees and clients. My objective is straightforward: to ensure Black Pepper Yachts remains the benchmark for exceptional, high-performance, custom-built yachts made in France, while creating fresh momentum for the brand. I will be the guarantor of that ambition,” Thomas Brette adds.

“I am also proud to be supported in this venture by several private investors, including Mer Invest, Pays de la Loire Participations and Bpifrance.”

Founder Michel Douville de Franssu, who remains a shareholder, will support a smooth transition over time alongside the teams, owners and partners.

“I am convinced that the time has come for this brand — which I dreamed of and patiently shaped over the years with the support of loyal friends and companions — to take flight on its own and continue to grow. I am confident that Thomas will be a successor capable of leading Black Pepper into its next phase of development,” he explains.

This transition sends a strong signal to the entire Black Pepper Yachts ecosystem: under its new leadership, the company will continue along the path of artisanal excellence and bold ambition, designing and building some of the most beautiful and best-performing yachts on the market.