Formula acquisition

Lymington based spar maker gains French foothold

Formula Yacht Spars Ltd of Lymington UK, manufacturers of carbon and aluminium spars has acquired Blag Flag Composite, the French high tech spar manufacturer based in Mudaison, Montpellier.

The acquisition will assist Blag Flag to further develop its activities in the high end yacht racing and ocean cruising markets.

Black Flag's Thierry Castaldin has extensive experience in composite technology having been the composites advisor to Michael Schumacher's Ferrari campaign and has built a large number of spars for Americas Cup boats over the years, including booms and poles for the current French competitor. Formula are also working closely with several AC syndicates including the provision of masts, poles and booms for the German boat and masts for the South African entry.

The marriage provides a substantial benefit to both companies says Patrick Salomone of Black Flag: "Becoming part of the Formula Team provides us with a stable platform for us to develop further into new areas and expand more quickly into world wide markets."

Hugh Carpenter, Commercial Director of Formula said "We identified Black Flag as a technically advanced company in the composites field, commanding considerable respect from its customers. This was a perfect fit for Formula which can provide a global customer base, while Black Flag will provide us with an important French foothold for supply and service."

Formula will be exhibiting at METS in Amsterdam on stand 01.505