Press Release –
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is marking a new phase of its international development by reinforcing its presence in European markets.
Starting in the fall, BRP will establish direct commercial operations in Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Ireland, where Jets Marivent has served as its distributor.
The shareholders of Jets Marivent have agreed to sell the company to an affiliate of BRP and as of October 1, 2006, BRP will distribute its products directly through its own dealer network in the aforementioned countries. Until that date, BRP products will continue to be supported in these markets by Jets Marivent.
Following BRP’s decision to establish its own dealer network in France in 2005, this move constitutes the second phase of its European growth strategy.
BRP has already established dealer networks in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, France and Scandinavia and has been present in Europe for over 30 years, with manufacturing facilities in Austria (BRP-Rotax) and in Finland (BRP-Finland).
Jets Marivent has been importing and marketing BRP products in Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Ireland since 1993. Over the years, they have greatly contributed to building strong brand equity for the BRP product brands in all their markets.
“Along with our dealers and business partners, we built this business from the ground up, starting out with only two models of Sea-Doo personal watercraft (PWC) in Spain over 10 years ago,” said Oliver Fröls, founder and president of Jets Marivent. “Today, Jets Marivent distributes the entire line-up of Sea-Doo PWC and sport boats, Can-Am ATVs, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines and a wide variety of accessories. This would not have been possible without the experience and business support of our dealers, and BRP’s excellent product innovation and continuous support,'” added Mr. Fröls.
This decision affects all Sea-Doo personal watercraft and sport boats, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, as well as related parts, accessories and clothing businesses. All BRP products will continue to be available in Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Ireland, thus reaffirming BRP’s objective to offer its customers the ultimate motorized recreational experience.
“Over time, we firmly believe that this decision will provide significant benefits to dealers and consumers in these markets, including increased efficiency in customer service and logistics support as well as branding, product positioning and market responsiveness,” concluded Michel Hade, vice-president and general manager, BRP International Sales and Marketing.
Both Jets Marivent and BRP are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to maximize continuity of business as usual for everyone involved.
