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Fanatic / Duotone Merger

Published October 3, 2023 · by The GlissEvolution Team

Boards & More Merges Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone

 

Boards & More Merges Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone for Global Watersports Expansion.



The watersports industry is rapidly evolving, and Boards & More, a sector leader, is announcing a landmark strategic merger. Following Duotone's resounding success in Kitesurf in 2018, the company is once again revolutionizing the market by bringing the Fanatic range, covering Windsurf and Wing Foil divisions, under the Duotone banner. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the company's position while enhancing the customer experience for watersports enthusiasts.



Brand Merger: A Strategic Alignment


Fanatic, an iconic brand with over 40 years of history, and Duotone, a newcomer that quickly conquered the Kitesurf world, have found convergence in their strategies. Till Eberle, CEO of Boards & More, explains that this merger under the Duotone banner aims to leverage synergies between the two brands. Fanatic will continue to exist in Stand Up Paddle (SUP), offering a broader product range, while Duotone will strengthen its presence in the watersports universe, encompassing Kitesurf, Windsurf sails, and Wing Foil wings.



Customer Experience at the Heart of the Strategy


Boards & More places customer experience at the center of its strategy. Through "Duotone Pro Centers," the "Duotone Academy" app, "Young Blood Camps," and the "Save our Playgrounds" sustainability initiative, the company seeks to offer added value to riders, regardless of their discipline. This borderless approach between brands optimizes Duotone's overall impact.



Uniting Forces for Better Quality Products


The merger of the Windsurf and Wing Foil divisions allows the board and sail development teams to work even more closely. Craig Gertenbach, former Fanatic brand manager, emphasizes that the flagship products remain unchanged, but this merger will foster continuous quality improvement for customers through the combined expertise of both brands.



Wing Foil: A New Beginning


Wing Foil, a rapidly expanding discipline, holds a central place in this merger. Craig Gertenbach takes on a new role as sales manager for the Wing Foil division at Duotone, while Klaas Voget will lead the Wing Foil Product & Marketing division. This discipline, open to all ages and experience levels, brings new dynamism to watersports.



Towards Total Foil Compatibility

The fusion also aims to make foils compatible across different disciplines, from Kite Foil to Wing Foil and Windsurf Foil. This approach will offer watersports enthusiasts unparalleled versatility, with mast/fuselage combinations adapted to all practices planned for 2024.



A Stronger Future Together


The merger of Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone marks a significant strategic move for Boards & More. By centralizing skills, creating synergies, and pooling expertise, they aim to deliver higher quality products to a diverse clientele. This fusion strengthens Duotone's commitment to excellence and innovation, fostering an unparalleled customer experience across all watersports. Boards & More, living up to its motto "Who gathers grows together," is poised for an even brighter future in watersports.

Key Features

SectionKey takeaway
Boards & More Merges Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone for Global Watersports ExpansionThe watersports industry is evolving rapidly, and Boards & More, a sector leader, is announcing a landmark strategic merger.
Brand Merger: A Strategic AlignmentFanatic, an iconic brand with over 40 years of history, and Duotone, a newcomer that quickly conquered the Kitesurf world, have found convergence in their…
Customer Experience at the Heart of the StrategyBoards & More places customer experience at the center of its strategy.
Uniting Forces for Better Quality ProductsThe merger of the Windsurf and Wing Foil divisions allows the board and sail development teams to work even more closely.
Wing Foil: A New BeginningWing Foil, a rapidly expanding sport, holds a central place in this fusion.
Towards Total Foil CompatibilityThe fusion also aims to make foils compatible across different disciplines, from Kite Foil to Wing Foil and Windsurf Foil.
A Stronger Future TogetherThe merger of Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone represents a major strategic step for Boards & More.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know About the Brand Fusion: A Strategic Alignment?

Fanatic, an iconic brand with over 40 years of history, and Duotone, a newcomer that quickly conquered the kitesurf world, have joined forces. Till Eberle, CEO of Boards & More, explains that this merger under the Duotone banner aims to leverage synergies between the two brands.

Customer Experience at the Heart of the Strategy: What You Need to Know

Boards & More puts the customer experience first. Through "Duotone Pro Centers," the "Duotone Academy" app, "Young Blood Camps," and the "Save our Playgrounds" sustainability initiative, the company aims to offer added value to riders, no matter their watersports discipline.

Uniting Forces for Better Quality Products: Key Takeaways

The merger of the Windsurf and Wing Foil divisions lets the board and sail development teams work even more closely. Craig Gertenbach, former Fanatic brand manager, emphasizes that while flagship products remain unchanged, this merger will drive continuous quality improvement for customers thanks to the combined expertise of both brands.

Wing Foil: A New Beginning

Wing Foil is rapidly expanding and holds a central place in this merger. Craig Gertenbach takes on a new role as Sales Manager for the Wing Foil division at Duotone, while Klaas Voget will lead the Wing Foil Product & Marketing division.

Towards Total Foil Compatibility: What You Need to Know

The merger also aims to make foils compatible across different disciplines, from Kite Foil to Wing Foil and Windsurf Foil. This approach will offer watersports enthusiasts unparalleled versatility, with mast/fuselage combinations adapted to all planned practices for 2024.

What to know about a Stronger Future Together?

The merger of Fanatic Foil and Windsurfing with Duotone represents a major strategic step for Boards & More. This centralization of skills, creation of synergies, and pooling of expertise aim to offer higher quality products to a diverse clientele.

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