Najad returns to Henån with new ownership
Lidköpings Båtsnickeri AB acquires Najad of Runo Gillholm. The Najad shipyard was founded in 1971 and has since then produced over 2000 sailboats. Now there will be even more. The production of Najad will move back to Henån on Orust and to the shipyard, which was originally built for production of Najad’s yachts.
With take over the organisation not only returns to its origin but does so in company with a stable and long term owner. An owner determined to once again, with genuine local craftsmanship, produce exclusive sail boats in Sweden for an international market.
”It is very satisfying to be able to deliver good news on a very rough Swedish boat market! The purchase of Najad, one of the markets most renowned brands, compliments our existing SwedeStar yachts program perfectly”.
Says Håkan Bengtsson, Manager at SwedeStar/Lidköpings Båtsnickeri
The production process of Najad boats will start immediately. The ambition is to combine the existing production resources in Lidköping with the great experience of Najad boats in Henån and to be on site with at least one model at the show in Düsseldorf, Germany, in January 2014. The first delivery is planned for May 2014.
”With the purchase there is a now good ground to build a strong and competitive offering with the combination of SwedeStar and Najad. The acquisition is financed by own capital and we are investing long term. With Najad come great opportunities as well as great responsibilities. The goal is not to build the most boats, but to build the best boats. After a time of uncertainty, Najad is now in safe harbour.” Says Håkan Bengtsson
Together with local subcontractors and good Swedish boat building tradition the company will offer exclusive series made sail boats. First international contacts have been very encouraging and the purchase is also met with a positive note on the constructor side.
“We are happy to hear that the NAJAD brand and boats are under new ownership. With SwedeStar, we hope to see NAJAD in good hands that understand the product and bring it back to its original strength within the Swedish boat building industry. We look forward to continue the fruitful cooperation we have had in the past with the new owners now.” says Torsten Conradi, CEO, Judel/Vrolijk & Co
The previous owner is also very happy to see that Najad yachts are now taken to the next step.
”It feels very satisfying that we through this sales process secured local production of Najad. In our aim to find a long term buyer the final decision fell on those with a genuine sail boat competence.” Says seller Runo Gillholm at Gillholms Marina
For more information, please contact:
Håkan Bengtsson, Manager Lidköpings Båtsnickeri / SwedeStar
Tel. +46(0)73-985 88 10. E-mail: hakan.bengtsson@swedestar.se
Lidköpings Båtsnickeri AB Was founded around 1990 and is a complete ship yard by the shore of Kinneviken that develop and produce SwedeStars boat program. The boats are sold in 8 countries. Lidköpings båtsnickeri has also produced Omega 42 and Overseas 40 as well as worked as subcontractors for Hallberg Rassy and Nimbus. The turnover in 2012 was SEK 8 million. Lidköpings båtsnickeri is owned by 80% by Hexiron AB. The model program today consists of: SwedeStar 370 and 415, as well as sales of Tarac 33. For more information visist www.swedestar.se and www.lidkopingsbatsnickeri.se