Closing of the repurchase transaction
The opening of takeover negotiations between catamaran builder Fountaine-Pajot and the Dufour Yachts shipyard, specialist in monohull sailing boats, made the nautical industry's news when it was announced on 30 March 2018. The two rochelaises companies declare in a press release published on May 14, 2018 to have finalized the procedure, after a favorable result of the consultation of the works councils.
Acquisition of majority control
Following the signature of the agreement, Fountaine-Pajot became the majority shareholder of Dufour Yachts. Financed in cash and through debt with Crédit Agricole and Unexo Dette, the transaction represents an indirect investment of ?22.6 million in the new structure designed to increase the stake in Dufour Yachts. Part of Dufour Yachts' management remains in the shareholding to support Fountaine-Pajot.
Rock fusion and world water sports
The alliance of the two shipyards, closely linked to the development of boating in La Rochelle, gave birth to an important group for French yachting. The two brands, which have a strong international presence, achieved sales of almost ?150 million in 2016/2017.
Fountaine-Pajot and Dufour Yachts announce the implementation in the short and medium term of synergies in the fields of commercial policy, dealer networks, product development and industrial know-how linked to shipbuilding Romain Motteau, deputy general manager of Fountaine-Pajot, had indicated the first tracks for BoatIndustry after the announcement of the negotiations. There is no doubt that the future of the catamarans launched by Dufour Yachts, whose maintenance has been confirmed, will be observed as an indicator of future strategy.
