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BRP EXPANDS ITS DEALER
NETWORK IN EUROPE
From October 2006 on, BRP will distribute
its products directly to dealers in Spain,
Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
the United Kingdom and Ireland
Valcourt, Quebec (Canada) June 8, 2006 -
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is
marking a new phase of its international
development by reinforcing its presence in
European markets. Starting in the fall, BRP will
establish direct commercial operations in Spain,
Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
the United Kingdom and Ireland, where Jets
Marivent has served as its distributor.
The shareholders of Jets Marivent have agreed
to sell the company to an affiliate of BRP and
as of October 1, 2006, BRP will distribute its
products directly through its own dealer network
in the aforementioned countries. Until that
date, BRP products will continue to be supported
in these markets by Jets Marivent.
Following BRP's decision to establish its own
dealer network in France in 2005, this move
constitutes the second phase of its European
growth strategy. BRP has already established
dealer networks in Canada, the United States,
Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, France
and Scandinavia and has been present in Europe
for over 30 years, with manufacturing facilities
in Austria (BRP-Rotax) and in Finland (BRP-Finland).
Jets Marivent has been importing and
marketing BRP products in Spain, Germany,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United
Kingdom and Ireland since 1993. Over the years,
they have greatly contributed to building strong
brand equity for the BRP product brands in all
their markets.
''Along with our dealers and business
partners, we built this business from the ground
up, starting out with only two models of Sea-Doo
personal watercraft (PWC) in Spain over 10 years
ago, '' said Oliver Fröls, founder and president
of Jets Marivent. ''Today, Jets Marivent
distributes the entire line-up of Sea-Doo PWC
and sport boats, Can-Am ATVs, Evinrude and
Johnson outboard engines and a wide variety of
accessories. This would not have been possible
without the experience and business support of
our dealers, and BRP's excellent product
innovation and continuous support,'' added Mr.
Fröls.
This decision affects all Sea-Doo personal
watercraft and sport boats, Can-Am all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs), Evinrude and Johnson outboard
engines, as well as related parts, accessories
and clothing businesses. All BRP products will
continue to be available in Spain, Germany,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United
Kingdom and Ireland, thus reaffirming BRP's
objective to offer its customers the ultimate
motorized recreational experience.
''Over time, we firmly believe that this
decision will provide significant benefits to
dealers and consumers in these markets,
including increased efficiency in customer
service and logistics support as well as
branding, product positioning and market
responsiveness,'' concluded Michel Hade,
vice-president and general manager, BRP
International Sales and Marketing.
Both Jets Marivent and BRP are committed to
ensuring a smooth transition to maximize
continuity of business as usual for everyone
involved.
BRP, a privately-held company, is a world
leader in the design, development,
manufacturing, distribution and marketing of
motorized recreational vehicles. Its portfolio
of brands and products includes: Ski Doo® and
LynxTM snowmobiles, Sea Doo® watercraft and
sport boats, Johnson® and Evinrude® outboard
engines, direct injection technologies such as
Evinrude E TEC®, Can AmTM all-terrain vehicles,
Rotax® engines and karts.
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