Two Italian marine trade associations that were once rivals have united, according to a statement. UCINA, the country’s oldest marine trades association, and Nautica Italia, which many of Italy’s leading yacht builders formed in 2012, have united under the name Confindustria Nautica. The association remains a member of the General Confederation of Italian Industry.

Confindustria Nautica president Saverio Cecchi said that the new association has meant the addition of yacht builders like Baglietto, CCN, Perini Navi, the Ferretti Group, Fincantieri and Sacs, along with companies in the equipment and marinas sectors. About 40 companies have applied to join the new association.

“We are continuing to make progress, with many more additions to our roster of businesses already in the process of being formalized,” said Cecchi in a statement, adding that several new members are already seeking board positions.

The reunification of UCINA and Nautica Italiana began last year, said the statement. The two associations held individual meetings in December, approving changes to their respective statutes to pave the way for becoming a single association.