Sailing Stream joins Kléa
The Kléa Group has announced the acquisition of Sailing Stream, a specialist in sailboat performance optimization and used boat sales, as well as exclusive distributor for Italia Yachts. Already present in the yachting sector through Ixel Marine, a manufacturer of equipment for superyachts, and Ixel Broderie, which offers outfits for crews and personalized textiles for boats, known in particular for the Fendress brand, Kléa is now gaining a foothold in boat sales.
Technical synergies
For Kléa president Christophe Colineaux, the activities of Sailing Stream and Ixel are mutually enriching: "Boats and equipment are necessarily linked. Selling boats allows us to better understand the equipment needs of boat builders, and to imagine the solutions we can provide. On the other hand, it gives us the opportunity to place all our products, from clothing to embroidered cushions and even sails, which we make with a partner. Our choice was also guided by the quality of Sailing Stream's technical know-how, which can be useful to the whole group."
Complementary market knowledge
While Italia Yachts, already renowned for its sailboats, will be presenting its first motorboat in September, Klea's presence in high-end motor yachting is an asset, stresses the director: "Italia Yachts is a very fine brand which remains at the top end of the market, as we wanted and which strengthens our position in sailing. And with the arrival of the powerboat, we're also bringing something to Sailing Stream. This was very well received by Italia Yachts, who didn't hesitate to give us exclusive motor distribution rights, especially as Klea is fairly well known in Italy."
Further merger planned
The previous owner, Eric Bernillon, will remain Technical Director. The two companies, located one in Villeneuve-Loubet and the other in Mouans Sartoux, are geographically close, facilitating collaboration. To accelerate synergies, a merger is already in the pipeline, concludes Kléa's President: "A plot of land has already been purchased in Mouans Sartoux, which will enable us to double the size of the current factory and bring everyone together in the same place, probably by 2024."
