Company: Axxon Composites, The Wichard Group
Business Type: Manufacturer
UK & International Business Sales and M&A News
The French marine equipment manufacturer the Wichard Group has acquired the mast, boom and rigger manufacturer Axxon Composites for an undisclosed sum.
This acquisition marks a crucial step in the Wichard Group’s growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and quality, by adding to its portfolio of brands. It will strengthen the company’s offering in the carbon spar mast sector and complement the Lorima brand, acquired by the Wichard Group in 2019, which caters for mega yacht, ocean racing, and cruising catamaran segments above 70 feet, allowing Axxon Composites to concentrate on vessels under 70 feet.
Axxon manufacturers booms, including standard, rack and V booms, and masts, including a range with carbon and aluminium track integrated in the profile.The company has also launched the Thin Carbon Layers Technology using new laminating techniques with thin pre-preg layers to allow more weight saving whilst reducing the mast section and windage for a more aerodynamic product.
The new acquisition will also complement the aluminium masts and booms already offered by the Sparcraft brand, whilst increasing its global production capacities.
Philippe Boclet, CEO of Axxon Composites, said:
“Axxon was born of the meeting of three men: Eric Duchemin, a world-renowned expert in carbon mast manufacturing with over 30 years’ experience, Philippe Boclet, a composite manufacturer with over 25 years’ experience in Romania, and Marius Tolbas, the company’s operational director. Starting from a blank sheet of paper in 2010, Axxon has become the leader in the OEM market for carbon masts between 35’ and 80’ in Europe, thanks to the know-how and technological mastery combined with the skill and enthusiasm of its people, who are the company’s primary strength.
“Axxon will complement Lorima, which operates in the market for larger masts for ocean racing and merchant marine.”
Philippe Boclet – CEO of Axxon Composites
The Wichard Group, with its HQ in Thiers, France, has been in operation since 1919 and now has seven locations in France, with two subsidiaries in both USA and Australia.
Jean-Claude Ibos, Chairman of the Wichard Group, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Axxon to the Wichard Group. This acquisition enables us to offer our customers a wide range of carbon masts. At the end of 2023, we will be finalising the constitution of a coherent, high-quality industrial offer, which will enable us to position ourselves widely in the deck equipment market for sailing boats, but also in the industrial world, whenever safety and performance are required.”
Jean-Claude Ibos – Chairman of the Wichard Group
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