Beneteau Dumps Wauquiez, goes for Grey Nomads
In what appears a move to reflect the world's changing demographics, IBI Newsreports that famed French boatbuilder is selling its high performance sailboat company Waquiez International to concentrate on the mobile home, residences and larger powerboat market.
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The group announced that it has entered exclusive discussions with Verdoso Industry for the sale of sailboat brand Wauquiez, which represents less than one per cent of the group's boat turnover. Beneteau says that the sales of Wauquiez and its automotive brand Microcar will allow the group the concentrate on growing two new markets: motorboats from 15m-25m (50ft-82ft) and residences.
The group has expressed intentions to grow the mobile home sector of its business to include residential housing. Turnover for Beneteau's mobile home activity was up 35.9 per cent on last year for the first three quarters of 2007/2008. Mobile homes accounted for 15.2 per cent of the group's business in 2006/2007, compared to 78.8 per cent represented by boats.
Based on France's Atlantic coast, Beneteau has 24 production sites and employs 6,000 people. It has a presence in more than 50 countries.
by Sail-World Cruising 
Hogan Island, VIC
