Lorima joins the Wichard group
French group Wichard, which already owns the Sparcraft, Facnor and Profurl brands, signed the acquisition of carbon mast manufacturer Lorima on April 25, 2018. The deal strengthens the position of the French operator in the mast and rigging sector, which already employs more than 60 people in Sparcraft's workshops at the La Rochelle and Saint-Vaast La Hougue sites for the production of aluminum spars. Lorima, founded in 2001 and managed since 2009 by Vincent Marsaudon, employs around 40 people at its site in the Lorient submarine base.
A strategic acquisition
With the acquisition of Lorima, the Wichard Group is quickly taking its place in the fast-growing carbon mast market, from which it was entirely absent. "For us, this is an important strategic positioning choice. It allows us to acquire very good technical know-how in the production of carbon masts, while increasing our market share. "explains Michel Audoin, Sparcraft's Sales Director. The Sparcraft and Lorima brands will remain within the Wichard group, as will the Profurl and Facnor reels. Each subsidiary is managed independently.
Resulting from a partnership
For several months, Sparcraft and Lorima have been working together in several markets. The partnership between the two mast manufacturers has continued in the Figaro 3 market, where they have been working together on the large Lagoon catamarans built by CNB through carbon booms bearing the Lorima by Sparcraft logo. "The buyout is a continuation of the business we have built together, such as on the Figaro 3, where the carbon profiles built by Lorima in Lorient are brought to Sparcraft in La Rochelle to be equipped. "says Michel Audoin. After 5 masts built for sea trials, the Lorima-Sparcraft tandem should deliver 50 masts by November and the first one-design yachts will be assigned to their skippers.
The alliance of the two brands should enable them to consolidate their positions in the OEM market, both monohull and multihull, in France and abroad.
