RS Sailing has secured long-term investment from Swedish marine investor Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB and the owners of Rototek Ltd, the company announced on 6 November.
Fredriksborgs is an investment company with a portfolio of established marine businesses. Rototek, a rotational-moulding company based in Nottinghamshire, has manufactured RS hulls for more than 25 years.
RS said the investment is part of the next stage of its strategic growth plan. According to the company, the deal means the same RS team, the same boats and UK production, with dealer partnerships, warranties and parts support continuing as normal. RS also pledged continued investment in new boat development, RS events and the class community. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Peter Rönnbäck, chairman of Fredriksborgs, said RS has created “a community of sailors that is vital to the future of our sport and our industry.” Steff Wright, chairman of Rototek, said he looks forward to working more closely with the RS team.
RS Sailing managing director Alex Newton-Southon called it “strong, long-term backing from people who understand our industry and our heritage.” He thanked dealers, class associations and RS sailors, acknowledged “a challenging period,” and thanked suppliers for their support and understanding. He added that RS has “exciting plans for the season ahead.”
RS Sailing describes itself as the world’s largest small-sailboat brand, with more than 40,000 boats on the water and 15 active racing classes worldwide.
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