Nicol's joins Locaboat
Locaboat Développement, the inland waterways boat rental company, announced on December 15, 2022 the acquisition of Nicol's Yacht. French specialist in river rental since 1977, Locaboat Développement becomes the 100% owner of Nicol's Yacht, the leading boat builder/rental company in France, acquired from the Choletais industrial group Nadia.
Already the owner of Locaboat Holidays and since 2018 of Carrickcraft, Ireland's number 1 unlicensed riverboat operator, the holding company becomes with the arrival of Nicol's the 3rd European operator in the river tourism sector. It has a network of 43 bases in 7 European countries. Its fleet of 700 boats on European rivers and canals generates a combined turnover of 27 Meuros.
Relocation of the Penichettes construction
This operation allows the different players to consolidate their activities. Nicol's, which has its own shipyard, will be able to perpetuate its order book and its activity by also working for the subsidiary Locaboat. Owner of the famous Pénichette brand, the company will be able to repatriate in France the production of its boats within the Nicol's shipyard, based in Cholet. Serge Naim and Ophélie Barrière, respectively President and General Manager of Locaboat, are delighted in conclusion: "The emergence of this new leader will boost the sector and increase its reputation. The Nicols shipyard will produce boats in France for both companies, which guarantees visibility and durability. The relocation of Locaboat boat production to France will be effective from 2024/2025."
