Meta shipyard in receivership: a page turns, a buyer hoped for

At the beginning of July 2025, the Villefranche-sur-Saône Commercial Court pronounced the compulsory liquidation of Meta Yachts, known for its Strongall® aluminum yachts, including Bernard Moitessier's famous Joshua. After several recovery plans, and despite a number of possible takeovers, the future of the shipyard remains uncertain until the end of the summer, the deadline for a new investor to come forward.

Maxime Leriche Published on July 22, 2025

A recognized industrial past and proven know-how

Meta Yachts was founded in 1962 in Tarare (RhÃ'ne) by Jean Fricaud, who made his name designing the Joshua hull for Moitessier. From 1977 onwards, the shipyard specialized in pre-stressed aluminum hulls (StrongallÂ® process), producing more than three hundred robust units adapted to expedition sailing. In 2020, it was taken over by naval architect Philippe Brabetz, who relaunched the business and doubled its sales from 0.6 to 1.7 million euros by 2024, with a team of fifteen employees

Disrupted projects and excessive costs

The site had begun to expand, with an 800âeuros¯mÂ² workshop in Villefranche-sur-SaÃ'ne and a second site planned for SaintâeurosLouisâeurosduâeurosRhÃ'ne. But a complex scientific contract with Inrae, unprofitable, and above all a 4.8âeuros¯Mâ¬ order for two electric shuttles, whose notification was delayed by the change of political majority in IleâeurosdeâeurosFrance, led to cash flow tensions. This cumulation precipitated the cessation of payments in April 2025

Liquidation despite prospective buyer

Recovery proceedings open on April 3, 2025 did not stabilize the accounts. However, a private investor (business angel) remains in contact with Philippe Brabetz to take over the assets or the brand. The target date would be the end of summer: without a serious offer, the shipyard will enter into definitive liquidation.

What does the future hold for the site and its skills?

A takeover would enable us to preserve our rare expertise in Strongall® and related technologies such as Turbokeels® , as well as our skills in aluminum, hybrid engines and river shuttles. Without an investor to guide the relaunch, an abrupt halt would put an end to a regional value chain, with the loss of know-how and innovation potential.