The Wichard Group has acquired Australian equipment manufacturer Ronstan, strengthening its leading position in the leisure marine equipment and manufacturing markets.
The Wichard Group, which specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of products for the marine OEM, aftermarket and industrial markets, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ronstan, a leading Australian manufacturer of high-quality sailing equipment, industrial and architectural products. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Wichard Group’s position as a world leader in the deck fittings sector, while expanding its product portfolio and offering significant growth opportunities in global markets.
Founded in 1953 by Ron Allatt and Stan Lenepveu and headquartered in Braeside, Victoria, Ronstan is renowned for its expertise in the design and manufacture of blocks, winches, track systems and other essential equipment for sailing, boating and water sports. The company has a strong reputation for high-quality, innovative and high-performance products, making it an ideal partner for the Wichard Group.
“With Ronstan becoming part of the Wichard Group, we have achieved a major milestone in the development of our strategy as a manufacturer and seller to the global marine and safety sectors,” explains Jean-Claude Ibos, president of the group. “We are now in a position to meet the needs and expectations of our customers worldwide with a comprehensive range of products and expertise. This strengthens the consistency of our positioning based on performance and safety. We are all very excited about the upcoming partnerships and challenges to be met. Our new partners share our team spirit, which was essential, and I’d like to thank them!”
Scot West, managing director of Ronstan, emphasises that Ronstan and the Wichard Group complement each other perfectly at every level: “As manufacturers, our expertise and manufacturing processes go hand in hand, as do our sales and distribution networks and the product ranges we offer to the global sailing community.
Like the other entities in the Wichard Group, Ronstan is also active in specific industrial sectors such as safety and architecture.”
With the acquisition of Ronstan, the Wichard Group now has over 550 employees worldwide and a turnover of €100 million. This acquisition is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen the group’s position in its historic markets by offering a comprehensive product range. This already included aluminium and carbon masts, sail furlers, deck fittings, safety equipment and ropes. It will now include a range of winches, tracks, blocks and other accessories.
The Wichard Group is becoming the owner of Ronstan International Pty Ltd, which remains the parent company of all Ronstan Group companies. The management of Ronstan will be continuing in their current positions and many members of the management team remain invested in the business through their shareholdings in the Wichard Group.
About the Wichard Group
Formed around the century-old company Wichard, the eponymous group boasts a strong positioning based on performance and safety. The Wichard Group owns prestigious brands (Wichard, Profurl, Sparcraft, Facnor, Lorima, Peguet/Maillon Rapid and Courant), enabling it to offer a wide range of products: aluminium and carbon masts, marine and industrial fittings, sail furling systems, ropes and PPE, customised parts for industry. With its teams of employees, its two subsidiaries (in the USA and Australia) and its distribution networks, the Wichard Group is a recognised international player in its fields of activity.
The Wichard Group is owned by the French private equity firm Azulis in association with part of the management.
