Kategorie: News
The acquisition strengthens HEAD's market position
The HEAD Group, a leading global supplier of sports equipment, has announced the acquisition of the AQUALUNG Group. On 26 June, the company was declared the successful bidder in the takeover proceedings by the Commercial Court of Nice. The AQUALUNG Group has been in insolvency administration since 16 May.
With a portfolio that already includes winter sports, racket sports, sportswear and water sports, this acquisition significantly expands HEAD's position in the water sports sector. The takeover adds further significant names to the existing brands MARES, SSI, rEvo, LIVEABOARD.COM and ZOGGS.
HEAD plans to comprehensively restructure the AQUALUNG business unit and will provide immediate financial support to secure the future of the group. To this end, the company has put together a rescue package worth over 50 million euros and presented a strategic integration plan with significant synergies. The aim is to preserve hundreds of jobs and modernise and expand production facilities in France, the United Kingdom and Mexico.
Two traditional brands are now united
Two traditional brands are now united in a new global leadership role in water sports – characterised by values such as safety, technical innovation, comfort, high performance and a passion for the underwater world.
HEAD will continue to develop the AQUALUNG, APEKS and AQUASPHERE brands while strengthening the military and professional diving segment, a strategically important growth industry. In addition, production capacities will be utilised to promote the global manufacture and distribution of high-quality products. The combined expertise of both companies will accelerate market leadership and expand access to water sports globally.
Aqualung and MARES
Founded in 1943 after the invention of the ‘Aqua-Lunge’ by Captain Jacques Cousteau and engineer Émile Gagnan, the AQUALUNG Group is a pioneer with a unique history. Its products are sold in over 90 countries and used by recreational, military and professional divers in critical missions.
HEAD acquired the MARES brand in 1971, which has since established itself as a leading provider of innovative products in the diving industry. In 2014, SSI, Europe's leading diving training organisation, was acquired by HEAD and has since more than doubled its revenue. The Australian swimwear brand ZOGGS, which was acquired in 2020, has been growing strongly within the HEAD network ever since.