RCM takes over from Groupe YB to become new French distributor of Highfield Boats

RCM will take over the distribution of Highfield Boats in France from January 2023 © Highfield Boats

Highfield Boats has announced that on 1st January 2023 Groupe YB will sell its distribution business of the Highfield Boats brand in France to major motor and yacht brand distributor RCM. Highfield Boats is one of the leading manufacturers of recyclable aluminium RIBS and has a significant presence in the French marketplace, under the Highfield France banner.

During the past decade Groupe YB, led by the Brintet family, grew to become one of the leaders in the RIB market in France. Yves Brintet, CEO of Groupe YB and Ronan Chabot, CEO of RCM, are delighted with the announcement of this important agreement, both signalling their vision of valuable future synergies. The two companies are mutually committed to guaranteeing a continuation of the best customer experience.

Yves Brintet comments: "The small Highfield France family is enthusiastic to have met the large and beautiful RCM family where the same values of respect, simplicity and professionalism come together." He adds "After twelve years of rapid development, the strength of such a group will offer Highfield France new development prospects in a family spirit."

Julien Carussi, CEO of Highfield Boats, states: "This agreement with RCM demonstrates our desire to accelerate the development of the Highfield brand in France and to improve the customer experience which we can count on through the professionalism and expertise of the RCM group." He continues: "I am enthusiastic and very ambitious about our partnership. The French market is the largest RIB market in the world and we are determined to become No.1 there."

Ronan Chabot adds his comments: "Our respective teams are enthusiasts whose energies and professionalism will unite to continue to further Highfield's representation in France."

Highfield France will handle the distribution of Highfield in France and strengthen the presence of RCM in the marine sector. Heading the management of Highfield France from 1st December 2022 is Pascal-Eric Montazel, a former manager of the Mercedes-Benz France network. Montazel joined RCM in 2017 to take over the management of the Toyota-Lexus/Toys Motors marques.

RCM's head office is located in Vendée, France. In 2021 RCM had a turnover of €1.35 billion. Their brands include Mercedes Benz, Toyota-Lexus and Porsche plus boating brands Azimut and Beneteau. The company employs 2800 staff in France, Belgium and Switzerland.