Dehler acquires ETAP Yachting
By IBI Magazine
Dehler, the German manufacturer of high-end regatta cruisers, has announced the acquisition of Belgium's ETAP Yachting for an undisclosed sum. The news comes just two months after growth investor Buchanan Capital Partners purchased a minority stake in Dehler with a view to accelerating the German boatbuilder's growth. According to a company statement, ETAP Yachting's production facilities and its established brands will be fully maintained and further expanded under Dehler's ownership.
"We are very proud to be taking over this traditional shipyard and this strong brand and are now able to further develop these in cooperation with Dehler," says Wilan van den Berg, main shareholder and CEO of Dehler. "Dehler will fully maintain, and continue to manage, the established ETAP Yachting brands. All staff will continue to be employed at the current ETAP Yachting site in the Belgian town of Malle."
The merger of the two shipyards is thought to offer substantial synergies, particularly in purchasing, marketing, sales and finance. "Like ETAP Yachting, Dehler is a traditional shipyard that produces boats that make any sailor's heart leap," says Anne-Marie Joris, president of the Dehler board. The company is now looking to take on additional staff in order to support further growth.
Dehler's involvement with ETAP Yachting marks the beginning of the implementation of its strategy to create a powerful group of shipyards, which is targeted at the synergetic collaboration of various brands in dedicated market segments.
"The merger of the two traditional shipyards, Dehler and ETAP Yachting, will profit both companies," says Peter Blumenwitz, managing partner of Buchanan Capital Partners. "Together with the management behind Wilan van den Berg, we want to create a powerful network of small, boutique shipyards — with the network producing up to 500 high-end boats annually. We are more than willing to accompany the successful setting up of a profitable group of shipyards such as this with further equity."
(21 January 2008)
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