DAKINE EQUIPMENT, LLC NAMES NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNER FOR KEY EUROPEAN MARKETS
Neuchâtel, 4th October 2019
Long-Term Dakine Distributor, Bucher + Walt SA, Expands Strategic Relationship Beyond Switzerland
Dakine Equipment, LLC announced this week that Bucher + Walt SA, the Swiss Dakine distributor for over 30 years, has acquired the Dakine Europe operations headquartered in Annecy, France and has been named the regional distribution partner for Dakine Equipment across the key European markets of France, Germany, Benelux, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy.
Under the new distribution agreement, the Dakine Europe office in Annecy, France will continue driving the sales management and operational efforts in the region, while Bucher + Walt’s offices in Neuchâtel, Switzerland will oversee management of the expanded strategic relationship.
Global and regional brand direction, marketing and direct to consumer strategy will continue to be led by Marquee Brands. Global product creation, innovation, sales leadership and manufacturing will continue to be driven by the Dakine Equipment team in Hood River, Oregon, USA.
“For more than fifty years, we have never ceased to reinvent ourselves and innovate within our company. The acquisition of Dakine Europe enables our company to evolve while expanding our range of services as well as our marketplace. We are proud to rise to this new challenge and our teams are ready for it” said Julien Bucher, CEO of Bucher + Walt SA.
Jonathan Hirshberg, President and CEO of Dakine Equipment, LLC adds, “We are super excited to expand and strengthen our partnership with Julien and his entire team at Bucher + Walt. We are confident we have selected the right partner to grow the brand’s presence in the European market to the next level, while continuing our commitment to Dakine’s core consumers by delivering innovative products on the mountain and in the water.”
About Dakine Equipment, LLC
Headquartered in Hood River, Oregon, USA - Dakine Equipment, LLC, a business unit of JR286, is an innovative, global leader in product design, development, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of action, outdoor and travel gear. Through a global operational footprint in North America, Europe, China and Southeast Asia, JR286’s business units are well positioned to service its global customer base. JR286 also has a long-standing, exclusive global license with Nike covering hundreds of sports related accessories and equipment. It also owns and operates the Vertra sunscreen brand.
About Bucher + Walt SA
The Swiss distributor of premium brands in sports, electronics and yachting. Founded in 1966 by Pierre Walt and Manfred Bucher, the company is nowadays directed by their sons, respectively Romain Walt and Julien Bucher. Bucher + Walt SA’s main strength is based on an experienced sales team and an extensive network of more than 2,000 retailers. In Switzerland, the company imports and distributes more than a hundred renowned and prestigious brands with 25,000 references in stock among which Dakine appears for more than 30 years and counting. The company and its 70 co-workers operate on three levels of activity including yachting, sport and lifestyle and electronics.
About Marquee Brands
Marquee Brands is a brand acquisition, licensing and development company. Sponsored by Neuberger Berman Private Equity, a business of Neuberger Berman, one of the world’s leading employee-owned investment managers, Marquee Brands targets high quality brands with strong consumer awareness and long-term growth potential. Marquee Brands seeks to identify brands in various consumer product segments with the goal of expanding their reach across retail channel, geography and product category while preserving the brand heritage and enhancing the ultimate consumer experience. Through its global team of professionals and partners, Marquee Brands monitors trends and markets in order to grow and manage brands in partnership with retailers, licensees and manufacturers through engaging, impactful marketing and strategic planning.