Pro Marine bought by Guymarine
Guymarine, a shipyard based in Oleron, announced on September 21, 2021 that it had purchased the Pro Marine brand of RIBs from the Ouest Composites industrial group, a Morbihan-based company. The rigid hull specialist is acquiring the company, with its brand, tooling and design office. "We reached an agreement last weekend under very good conditions, after negotiations necessarily slowed down by the Covid," says Nicolas Chiloff, Guymarine's manager.
Strategic choices for Ouest Composites and Guymarine
The transaction is the result of strategic developments desired by both companies. "Pro Marine was integrated into Ouest Composites. We were having difficulties growing the brand and preferred to sell it to a company that could develop it as it deserves. On our side, it made more sense to concentrate on our industrial activity" explains Damien Harlé, boss of Ouest Composites.
"For the past 2-3 years, we have been looking to broaden Guymarine's manufacturing spectrum towards RIBs, especially since the sale of the White Shark brand (editor's note: taken over by French Boat Market). By a happy coincidence, Pro Marine approached us. It's a great company" Nicolas Chiloff adds.
Industrial and commercial development of Pro Marine
The production of Pro Marine RIBs should be repatriated to the Guy Marine site in Château d'Oléron. Hiring should take place in production, in parallel with investment in infrastructure. "We will be able to share costs. We are in discussion with the Château d'Oléron town hall for work on the current Guymarine site. In particular, a showroom needs to be built to present all of our boat ranges," says the head of the Oleron-based shipyard.
The connections will also be commercial. "We have a very close distribution system. There are commercial synergies to be seen. I have already been contacted by Guymarine dealers who are interested in Pro Marine" concludes Nicolas Chiloff.
