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More than just an acquisition, this is the continuation of an industrial history founded on family passion, mechanical expertise and innovation in the service of nautical performance.
A strategic location at the heart of the French market
With the integration of XPO and its head office in La Rochelle, the Antal Group is moving directly into one of the most structuring markets in the world of sailing. Today, France is home to a large number of racing, high-end cruising and sailing yacht shipyards, as well as a unique technical ecosystem.
Thanks to XPO's recognized expertise in the design of deck plans, Antal has broadened its positioning: the group no longer limits itself to the supply of components, but now intervenes upstream of projects, as a technical partner and strategic advisor from the earliest stages of boat design.
A paradigm shift for worksites and customers
This operation significantly strengthens the Antal Group's response capacity in the market:
- For construction sites, access to a local, expert technical interface facilitates the development of customized solutions, reducing the time between prototyping, testing and series production.
- For end-customers, the integration of XPO guarantees reinforced after-sales support and extended technical assistance, backed up by the La Rochelle logistics hub, synonymous with enhanced responsiveness.
- In terms of product ranges, the convergence of Antal products with those of Karver, as well as the brands distributed by XPO (Tylaska, Furlerboom, Allen, Ropeye, Protect Tape, Clamcleat), enables the Group to offer complete deck equipment solutions, adapted to all segments, from ocean racers to superyachts.
Xavier Phélipon remains at the helm of XPO
Within the new Groupe Antal, Xavier Phélipon, founder of XPO, retains operational management of the company. An emblematic figure in French sailing, with a career spanning the America's Cup with French Kiss at the Seoul Olympic Games, he has been a key technical partner of Antal in France for decades.
His continuity as CEO ensures strategic, technical and relational continuity, while reinforcing the Group's long-term coherence.
A shared vision between tradition and international structuring
For Enrico Gomiero, Chairman of Antal, this acquisition is above all a human story:
" Antal has always been a family business. Xavier has never been just a business partner; he's an integral part of our history. With him, we are taking a decisive step towards a consolidation that unites Italian quality with the momentum of international markets. "
For his part, Xavier Phélipon underlines the industrial and human logic of the operation:
" Taking a step backwards in ownership to take a step forwards in development was the right choice. With Antal and Karver, we are creating a synergistic and innovative entity unprecedented in the sector. "
The Antal Group, from a forge of excellence to a world leader
Founded in 1977 by Gastone Carraro, Antal is part of an Italian industrial tradition dating back to a foundry set up in 1950. For more than 45 years, the company has been a global benchmark in deck equipment, accompanying the greatest ocean racing campaigns as well as the most demanding yacht projects.
Today, thanks to the alliance of the Gomiero and Bruno families, Antal retains its family DNA, while acquiring an international management and industrial structure. With an active network in 21 countries and partnerships with the most prestigious shipyards, the Antal Group now offers a comprehensive catalog covering all boating segments, from pleasure craft to superyachts.
