Going European

North Sails UK incorporated into parent European North Sails Group

Following 10 years of highly successful license relationship the shareholders of North Sails UK Limited and North Sails Europe A/S have decided to incorporate the former into the larger European North Sails Group.

Through its daughter company North Sails A/S, located in Alleroed, Denmark, the European group has acquired the North Sails operation in Gosport as of August 1st 2005. The entire staff of North Sails UK has been transferred to the new Company. John Welch, currently Vice President of North Sails Manufacturing in the US will take over the general management of North Sails Limited for the United Kingdom and Ireland. John has overseen the growth and development of 3DL for the last 10 years and has extensive Grand Prix experience.

Dave Williams, who has managed the North Sails operation in Gosport so far, will assist the new management together with Bob Lankester and Neil Mackley under the auspices of Lars Ive, Managing Director of North Sails A/S assigned to spearhead the integration of the UK operation into the European group.

North Sails A/S is the parent company for North Sails operations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Schweiz, Spain and now the UK. The group employs in the region of 250 people and generates a turnover of more than 30 million Euros.

The new ownership will open up new opportunities for the UK operation and its employees both in the UK and abroad. Designers Tim Corben, Paul Halkyard will now be able to fully share the knowledge, technology and support of the European and Global North Sails Group, just as the sales team will enjoy the “brotherhood” of a large number of colleagues in Europe to help support sailors in the UK and abroad.

North Sails Limited in Gosport employs approximately 65 people, many of which have been part of the North Sails team for more than 20 years.

Ib Ussing Andersen, President of North Sails in Europe, adds: ”We are excited to welcome our colleagues and friends in our group. We have worked together successfully for 15 years, but are convinced that a common financial destiny will add new vigour and opportunities to the operations both in the UK and in the rest of Europe. We are particularly exited that we will now be able to offer seamless service throughout Europe, from Galway in the west to The Black Sea in the east and from North Cape to Gibraltar clients will have the full access to the very best in technology, products and service.

Tom Whidden, President of North Marine Group continues: “I applaud the efforts to bring our North operations closer together in our effort to best serve our customers. North Sails is setting the standard for racing and cruising sails throughout the World and North proprietary 3DL technology is just one example of our technological approach to sailmaking. I am confident that the synergies of the newly expanded group will provide new advantages for all our clients in Europe.

North Sails Europe A/S is owned by Henrik Soederlund, Jens Christensen and Ib Ussing Andersen.