Annual revenues for the Boat business amounted to 640.70 Meuros for the year 2013-2014, recording a 2.6% increase in one year. In the last quarter of 2013-2014, like-for-like revenues amounted to 184.70 million euros, compared with 184.30 million euros in the last quarter of the previous year.
A boat market driven by North America
Once again this year, the Group's brands have outperformed the market. This is the result of a strategy initiated in 2010, which focuses on the worldwide deployment of powerboats, the evolution towards larger sail and powerboats, and commercial development in regions offering strong growth potential.
In North America, revenue in dollars and on a like-for-like basis rose by nearly 40% compared with the previous year. This increase is due to the rebound of the American market in the sailing and motor sectors, particularly in the market for motorboats over 12 meters.
Thanks to the acquisition of RecBoats last June, Bénéteau will be able to benefit from four additional recognized brands and a production site in Michigan, enabling it to expand its development in North America, particularly in units under 12 meters.
On the outboard side, Bénéteau and Jeanneau have met with U.S. dealers and begun building a sales network in the United States.
Stable business in Europe
In Western Europe, revenues were stable despite the sluggishness of the sector. In markets that have been growing structurally since 2009, there was a slight decline, notably in Russia, Turkey and South America, due to the depreciation of their currencies at the beginning of the season and to a certain reserve, born of the current situation in Asia.
An enthusiastic outlook for 2015
The various boat shows held at the beginning of the season (France, United Kingdom, Northern Europe) are in line with the Group's commercial ambitions for the 2015 season. However, we still have to wait for the next fall boat shows (South America, Southern Europe and North America) to have an overall view of the evolution of the business.
