The rumour has been around since spring, but now it is a certainty: company concentration and globalisation is also progressing steadily in the yacht industry, and at an increasing pace. Most recently, Nautor's Swan announced its merger with the Italian motorboat manufacturer Sanlorenzo. North Sails is now taking over Quantum and Doyle in one fell swoop. This makes the global market leader the undisputed number one of the internationally active sailmaking groups. To be more precise: Doyle and Quantum, like North Sails, are now part of the North Technology Groupthe umbrella company of North Sails. NTG is majority-owned by Oakley Capital, headquartered in Bermuda. The group includes high-calibre companies such as Southern Spars and Hall Spars (carbon masts), Future Fibers (composite rigging), North Sails Windsurfing (surf sails), North Kiteboarding (kites) and North Sails Apparel (functional clothing).
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From the press release: "As part of NTG's diverse portfolio of world-class companies operating in the sailing and ocean lifestyle sectors, Doyle and Quantum will continue to operate independently, maintaining their unique brand identities and competing for market share. Each company will continue to manage its own lofts, sales and marketing teams and product ranges. The NTG ownership structure will provide each brand with the freedom, financial security and resources to continuously improve and deliver better experiences to sailors."
The takeover makes NTG the number 1
NTG CEO Sam Watson said: "We see the addition of Doyle Sails and Quantum Sails to the NTG family as a real opportunity for growth and development. We look forward to welcoming their customers and our new colleagues on this journey."
Ed Reynolds, President of Quantum Sails: "At Quantum we have always focussed on providing the best performing products and customer service in sailing. We have a long history in the industry and our sails have equipped some of the best boats in sailing. We look forward to working with the NTG family."
Mike Sanderson, CEO of Doyle Sails, said: "After eight years at the helm of Doyle Sails, the decision to join forces with NTG was a natural one for David Duff, Richard Bouzaid and myself. It ensures the longevity of the brand we are so committed to; it will continue to drive innovation in sailing and it offers significant opportunities for our team, sailors and customers."
The management structure remains unchanged
Oakley co-founder and CEO and NTG Chairman Peter Dubens said: "NTG is a long-standing supporter of sailing. We want to promote the sport by investing in skills and innovation, supporting new technologies in sailmaking and committing to doing it all in a sustainable way. With Doyle and Quantum, we have found two brands and companies that support our values and goals. Quantum Sails will continue to be led by Ed Reynolds and Andrew Scott, and Doug DeVos will continue to be involved in the business and act as an investor in NTG. Mike Sanderson will continue to lead Doyle Sails."
Stefan Matschuk, Managing Director North Sails Germany: "We at North Sails are delighted to welcome Doyle and Quantum under the umbrella of the North Technology Group. The integration offers us the opportunity to jointly pursue new paths in purchasing and transport, which will benefit our customers. Regardless, all three companies will continue to operate as usual and be there for their customers."
Doyle One Design points out, however, that they remain independent and are not affected by the acquisition. The statement from the Salem (Massachuchets/USA) based business: "In 2017, the Doyle Sailmakers brand was sold to Doyle New Zealand and Robbie Doyle stepped down as Global Managing Director and handed over the reins to Mike Sanderson. As part of this transition, global operations were relocated from Salem to New Zealand and Doyle Sailmakers International was established. Despite these changes in 2017, Doyle One Design continues to operate as a subsidiary of the original Doyle Sailmakers Inc. which was founded by Robbie Doyle in 1982. For this reason, Doyle One Design is not included in the recent acquisition by North Technology Group."
