Separation of pleasure boating and professional marine activities
Robin Marine, a company based on the Atlantic coast and active in the electronics, marine electricity and onboard IT sectors, is to be sold in two parts from the beginning of July 2023. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with Furuno France for the takeover of the professional marine business, while six of the company's executives are joining forces to found RM Nautisme, which will take over the yachting and professional fishing business. The company will be managed by 3 co-managers: Pierre Grondin, yachting sales manager, Aurélien Minguet, technical manager and Frédéric Chauveau, manager of the Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie and l'Herbaudière branches.
Strengthening the company and anticipating transfer
Thierry Chevillon, manager and owner of Robin Marine, seized the opportunity offered by Furuno to anticipate the transfer of the company, but will accompany the new managers: "Thoughts of selling up were already there, as retirement age approached. When Furuno approached us a year and a half ago, it triggered the process. The company employs over 55 people, excluding temps, and around 65 counting them. It's not necessarily easy to manage, even if we have work for them. Getting closer to Furuno in the professional sector strengthens the company, especially as Furuno is also starting to take an interest in the electrical sector, for example in Italy."
Consolidating business with yacht builders
RM Nautisme, which remains a Furuno distributor, retains 28 employees and branches in Saint-Gilles-Croix de Vie, Les Sables d'Olonne and l'Herbaudière. Well established with major groups in the sector, the company aims to consolidate and develop this activity," concludes Thierry Chevillon: "We're going to consolidate our work with the shipyards that put their trust in us, for their new boats or options, such as the Bénéteau group, Privilège or Alubat, and continue to grow."
