Head is about to acquire Aqualung Group and create a market leader in the watersports market.
Head Group has entered into exclusive discussions regarding the potential acquisition of 100 percent of Aqualung Group. Aqualung, with about 500 employees, has had economic challenges the last years and is owned by investment firm Barings LLC.
The contemplated transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and due legal process, would significantly strengthen Head’s presence in the water sports segment, which has great potential. Building on its existing portfolio in Winter Sports, Racquet Sports, Sportswear, and Water Sports, Head would significantly expand its brand portfolio beyond its established Water Sports brands that include MARES, SSI, rEvo, liveaboard.com and Zoggs.
Aqualung is certainly a pioneer company in the diving business. Founded in 1943 following the invention of the ‘aqua-lung’ by Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau and engineer Émile Gagnan, Aqualung Group is a pioneer with an unrivalled history and is a global reference in scuba diving equipment. Its products are distributed in over 90 countries and are trusted by both recreational divers and military and professional operators for critical missions.
With the contemplated acquisition, Head aims to create a market leader in the watersports market, uniting two players driven by safety, technical equipment, innovation and aquatic exploration.
Head intends to maintain and develop the Aqualung Group and to reinforce its strategic and growing military and professional division. Head also plans to build on Aqualung Group’s production capabilities to support the global production and distribution of premium products. The combined expertise of the two companies would generate strong synergies, accelerate market leadership, and open new opportunities to broaden access to water sports worldwide.
