Peter Dubens invests in North Sails company

by Afloat.ie on 14 Mar 2014 North Technology Group (NTG) whose brands include North Sails has revealed that Oakley Capital Private Equity ('Oakley') has acquired a majority stake in their diverse family of companies. Oakley is an investment vehicle founded by UK businessman and sailing enthusiast Peter Dubens.

North Sails are represented in Ireland by Nigel Young of North Sails Ireland.

'We are delighted to be backing North Technology Group and an iconic brand like North Sails,' said Dubens. 'This investment further demonstrates Oakley's appetite to work with successful entrepreneurially led businesses. We are hugely excited by the potential of North Sails and look forward to working with the management team in the next stage of its evolution.'

Originating with North Sails, founded by Lowell North in 1957, NTG comprises three market leading marine brands; North Sails; the world leader in sailmaking, Southern Spars; the world leader in composite spars, rigging and marine components and EdgeWater Boats; a line of high performance outboard sport boats, all focused on providing innovative, high performance products and solutions to the world's sailors and yachtsmen. Included in the family are North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) and North Cutting Systems. Born from North's 3Di manufacturing of sails and used exclusively in Southern Spars' composite masts, NTPT has developed and commercialized a very light but strong carbon pre-preg solution, used by the aerospace market, competitive Formula 1 racing and high-end luxury products. North Cutting Systems is two businesses, the ground-breaking AlphaBlade Cutting System that provides a unique cutting solution for various industries, and the other produces the unique Automated Tape Laying (ATL) system. The intellectual property within the group is substantial and protected by an expansive portfolio of patents.

To read the full story, click here