Groupe Beneteau has released its forecasts for the 2011/12 financial year, stating that total boat sales are expected to be down 10.7 per cent to €620m. Nevertheless, the figure outperforms Beneteau’s estimated drop in the global boating market of 20 per cent. As a result, the group’s consolidated sales for 2011/12 are estimated at €855m, down 7.2 per cent. “For the Boat business, 2011/12 is expected to be marked by significantly different trends depending on the markets, with the European region penalised by the climate of unease seen this autumn-winter, during the main period for taking orders,” says the company. “This unprecedented situation is expected to temporarily have an adverse impact on the group’s business.”
Beneteau says that the benefits of the group’s ambitions as rolled out at the end of 2010 are already being seen. The group expects to achieve combined sales growth of 50 per cent over 2012, climbing to €100m. This performance is being made possible thanks to the contributions by the powerboat business in North and South America, as well as Asia, and the success of Monte Carlo Yachts and Prestige Yachts.
