Azulis Capital has become a significant shareholder in Le Groupe Wichard to support its ambitious growth and innovation strategy in the marine equipment industry.

Target Company Overview

Le Groupe Wichard is an industrial group specializing in the marine and safety equipment markets. Established from the eponymous company founded in Thiers in 1919, the group has steadily expanded and diversified into sailing leisure since the 1970s, complemented by a series of strategic acquisitions from the 1990s onward. Today, it operates nine manufacturing sites and offers seven globally recognized brands, each grounded in expertise that sometimes spans over a century. Notable brands include Wichard for forged parts in boating and industry, Lorima for carbon masts and booms for recreational sailing and commercial vessels, and Profurl for sail furlers, among others. The group employs 325 people and generated €63 million in revenue in 2022.

Le Groupe Wichard serves major global pleasure boat manufacturers, specifically monohulls and catamarans longer than 40 feet, as well as numerous racing teams. It is the exclusive supplier of carbon masts for the IMOCA 60-foot monohulls, which compete in prestigious races, including the Route du Rhum, Vendée Globe, and Ocean Race. Additionally, Wichard provides safety equipment to giants in the outdoor, aerospace, law enforcement, and medical sectors. Its products are universally acknowledged for their performance, reliability, and innovative design.

Industry Overview

The maritime equipment and leisure boating industry in France has witnessed significant growth, buoyed by increasing interest in recreational sailing and rising participation in c