Beneteau to sell Wauquiez, goes for Grey Nomads
by Sail-World Cruising on 18 Jun 2008
Beneteau Lagoon 420 - but branching out Whitsunday Rent A Yacht WRAY
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In what appears a move to reflect the world's changing demographics, the famed French boatbuilder Beneteau is selling its high performance sailboat company Waquiez International to concentrate on the mobile home, residences and larger powerboat market.
The group announced that it has entered exclusive discussions with Verdoso Industry for the sale of sailboat brand Wauquiez, which represents less than one per cent of the group's boat turnover. Beneteau says that the sales of Wauquiez and its automotive brand Microcar will allow the group the concentrate on growing two new markets: motorboats from 15m-25m (50ft-82ft) and residences.
The group has expressed intentions to grow the mobile home sector of its business to include residential housing. Turnover for Beneteau's mobile home activity was up 35.9 per cent on last year for the first three quarters of 2007/2008. Mobile homes accounted for 15.2 per cent of the group's business in 2006/2007, compared to 78.8 per cent represented by boats.
Group Beneteau posted a 10.6 percent rise in nine-month sales. Sales for the first nine months rose to 830.2 million euros ($1.28 billion), and Beneteau confirmed its full-year target for sales of 1.087 billion euros.
Based on France's Atlantic coast, Beneteau has 24 production sites and employs 6,000 people. It has a presence in more than 50 countries.
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