Interview / RCMarine: "We will surely need a catamaran brand"

After recently expanding its boat offering with the Azimut Yachts and Highfield Boats brands, the RCM Group has strong ambitions in the boating industry. Luca Brancaleon, RCMarine's new general manager, discusses the next steps in the strategy.

Briag Merlet Published on October 6, 2022

2 new boat brands in one month

Arriving in 2019 in the boating industry, the RCM group was built in the automotive sector with Mercedes-Benz, Toyota-Lexus and Porsche dealerships. It started in boats by taking over the Bénéteau dealerships of the bankrupt Massif Marine. Purchasing various dealerships and their chandleries, the RCMarine entity has become an important player in the Bénéteau network, acquiring a former vice-president of the group as general manager in the summer of 2022, Luca Brancaleon.

As of August 30, 2022, the RCM group announced the takeover of V Marine France and its distribution activity for Azimut's high-end Italian motorboats in France, under the new RCMarine Yachts banner. Then on September 30, RCM entered the RIB market with distribution of Highfield Boats taken over by the YB Group . Two major additions in the space of a month.

RCM prend l'importation Azimut — RCM takes over Azimut import

Structure the activity

Luca Brancaleon concedes that the recent acquisitions require RCM to structure itself. "After the intense acquisition period, we need to settle down to consolidate. We are launching a strong recruitment campaign in the nautical sector. I want to create a team of professionals around me. Our priority is to consolidate all this, but we will know how to seize opportunities if they arise."

Catamarans and services

However, RCM and RCMarine do not hide their intention to continue their development on different axes, already in more or less advanced stages, which Luca Brancaleon details: "We're in no hurry. It is certain that we will need a catamaran brand, not necessarily from the Bénéteau group. There are already discussions on the subject. There is also a need for advanced technical service. We will certainly need to add 1 or 2 maintenance and refit yards for the preparation of boats. We will also work on large boats, and tenders and equipment for large boats, with French clients, but also international clients in France. We will continue to develop the fittings business ."

Magasin Accastillage Diffusion de RCMarine — RCMarine's Accastillage Diffusion Store

As for the geographical development of the group, which is very strong in the Atlantic, and recently established in the Mediterranean through Azimut, the head of RCMarine denies certain rumours, but concedes, in conclusion, that steps have been taken. "There is an acquisition at an advanced stage for 3 additional outlets in the Var, Bouches du Rhône and Alpes Maritimes. But contrary to what we hear, there are no plans in Occitania or around Arcachon. It's true that we are being approached with requests to join the group."