Successful takeover for transport Augizeau
In the spring of 2019, the financial situation of the Nantes-based group Altead, a specialist in exceptional transport, led to its receivership. The various entities were finally taken over by the Capelle Group in July 2019. Altead Augizeau, which became Augizeau TE, today retains its leading position in the transport of pleasure and professional boats. "We transport more than 3,000 boats each year for builders, dealers and yachtsmen. Augizeau TE has 3 sites in France and 350 employees. Out of 350 trailers, more than 100 are adapted to the transport of boats, from monohulls to yachts or catamarans. The company achieves a significant part of its 55 Meuros turnover on the nautical sector. Although there have been some changes, the existing structure with Altead has been maintained", says Romain Le Guen, head of communications for the Capelle Group.
Keeping a strong brand in boating
Already present in the transport of pleasure boats through the Capelle Yachting brand, the new owner wished to keep the name Augizeau. "We wanted to keep the name Augizeau, well known in the boating industry. The activity was historically created in boats 55 years ago. The integration into Groupe Capelle is still recent and things are going well. Everyone has their own assets and their own area of operation, which means that there are no major problems in the way we operate," says Romain Le Guen.
Transport of emblematic sailing ships
Very well established on the Atlantic coast, Augizeau works a lot with the production yards, but also for offshore racing. "We recently transported Benjamin Dutreux's IMOCA sailboat Water Family for the Vendée Globe or the central hull of François Gabart's multihull Ultim. Private yachtsmen are also an important part of the business," recalls the communications manager.
Like the whole boating sector, Augizeau is wondering about the evolution of the market after the 2020 season. "If activity has indeed resumed after the deconfinement, the question is that of the still undecided forecasts for September" concludes Romain Le Guen.
