Beneteau housing division stock image

Groupe Beneteau has received approval from the French Competition Authority to proceed with the sale of its housing division, which manufactures leisure homes for the outdoor hospitality industry, to Trigano, a French group that makes recreational vehicles and leisure equipment. The sale is anticipated to close before the end of 2024.

Groupe Beneteau entered exclusive negotiations with Trigano on 5 May 2023, encompassing the sale of 100 per cent of its subsidiary Bio Habitat, along with the O’hara, IRM and Coco Sweet brands, as well as all employees in France and Italy. Following a review, the French Competition Authority approved the transaction without conditions.

In July, the Groupe Beneteau boat division reported a significant downturn in its revenues during the first half of the year. The firm announced a 32 per cent decrease compared to the record year of 2023, primarily due to the expected change in dealership inventory levels.

“We welcome the decision from the French Competition Authority. This sale marks the beginning of a new chapter in Groupe Beneteau’s history, allowing us to accelerate our strategy of refocusing on our core expertise in boating,” says Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of Groupe Beneteau.

“I would like to once again commend the work done by the housing division teams since its inception in 1994. With its expertise in leisure vehicles and equipment, Trigano is the ideal partner to support the O’hara, IRM and Coco Sweet brands in accelerating their growth across European markets.”

The proceeds from the sale are expected to support the growth and premiumisation of Groupe Beneteau’s boat division, which includes nine brands across four markets: dayboating, real estate on the water, monohull sailing and multihull sailing.

The company says it also intends to accelerate its technological transformation, especially in addressing environmental challenges, with a goal of reducing carbon emissions intensity by 30 per cent by 2030. Additionally, the transaction will aid expansion into new segments of the boating industry, with a focus on digital solutions, refit services and other offerings.

In a recent interview with MIN, Carlos Brito, the US strategic purchasing manager for Groupe Beneteau, provided insights into the company’s approach to marine innovation, supplier integration and sustainability within its global operations.

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