Netherlands-based Kubus Sports, a distribution platform founded in 1970 for high-end sporting goods brands covering various niche sports, has acquired Nalu Kai Incorporated, the Maui-based operating company of the Naish brand, and its subsidiary Pacific Board Sports, Naish’s U.S. distributor. Naish is the well-known Maui-based company of Robby Naish, 24-time windsurfing world champion and pioneer of stand-up paddling, kiteboarding and wingsurfing. No information about the sale price has been disclosed.
Naish and Kubus Sports have more than 20 years of history, during which Kubus has served as a value-added distributor for Naish’s watersports products in Europe. The sale of Naish takes the collaboration to a new level and will drive further growth and investment in the well-known watersports equipment brand. Naish and Kubus Sports will integrate their organizations to further strengthen product development, product portfolio, distribution and operations. Robby Naish will continue to drive product innovation and serve as a brand ambassador. The brand’s Hawaiian headquarters will continue to be the heart of the R&D program and the brand’s legacy for future commercialization.
In addition to the Naish brand, Kubus Sports’ portfolio includes over ten brands, including Prolimit and STX, both fun and watersports equipment brands distributed in over 60 countries worldwide. With the acquisition of Naish, Kubus has taken another step in building a leading international platform for sports equipment brands, following the acquisition of Brabo Hockey and Princess Hockey and the introduction of new brands such as Ohana and Brabo Padel. By becoming part of Kubus Sports, Naish can further strengthen its global distribution power and presence in all world markets.
“My parents started Naish Hawaii in our Kailua garage in 1979, making and selling custom windsurfing boards that were ridden and cherished all over the world,” Naish said. “I expanded the brand’s reach in the mid-90s with the launch of Naish Sails Hawaii windsurfing sails. A quarter century later, the Naish brand has grown into a complete board riding company with a full range of products for windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, foil surfing, and wing foiling.” Winning the ISPO Brandnew Award in 2000 was one of the decisive factors in the brand’s international success.
Naish said that he realized he had taken the company as far as his passion, knowledge and expertise would allow. “For the Naish brand to meet its full potential requires new direction, new structure, and new energy.” He said the partnership with Kubus Sports offers exactly that, plus the resources and infrastructure needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. “I am excited to see Kubus Sports push the Naish brand to the next level. I’m also excited to slow my life down a bit,” where slowing down for Naish, born in 1963, means being able to get back on the water more.
Alex Cretier, CEO of Kubus Sports, added that his company would further strengthen the distribution and portfolio of the Naish brand. “The acquisition, at the same time, puts us in a position to grow our presence in all main markets around the world. The Naish brand is unique, based in Hawaii and bears the name of the living legend in all water disciplines.”
