June 4/03 11:53 am - Louis Garneau Sports Inc. acquires Chlorophylle

Posted by Editoress on 06/4/03
 

Louis Garneau Sports Inc. acquires Chlorophylle h. tech.
Courtesy Louis Garneau Sports

Louis Garneau and Gilles Couët, founders-presidents of their respective companies, told their personnel today that Louis Garneau Sports Inc. had acquired Chlorophylle h. tech.

Louis Garneau stressed that "both brands will continue to exist and expand their distinct but complementary presence in world markets." The companies are well-matched, as they focus on different market segments and different continents.

Louis Garneau Sports Inc. specializes in designing, manufacturing and distributing up-market cycling and ski clothing and accessories, and swimwear. Chlorophylle h. tech. designs top-quality technical clothing for outdoor activities such as climbing, mountaineering, boating and kayaking.

The acquisition may be seen as the companies' innovative response to market globalization and stiffer competition, and will enable both prestigious outdoor and sports sector organizations to continue to operate out of Quebec. "We're small, but we're leaders when it comes to innovation and quality. That's why we are going to continue to grow," said Gilles Couët.

Gilles Couët and his team will remain at the helm of Chlorophylle h. tech. Indeed, Louis Garneau made this a prerequisite for the transaction: "We want to take Chlorophylle even farther, and we're going to achieve this with the people at Chlorophylle by offering them our expertise and solid network of over 4,000 North American clients."

Chlorophylle has carved out a worldwide reputation for itself in the upscale outdoor clothing industry. It employs over 30 people in Quebec and is present in Asia, Europe and elsewhere in North America.

The Louis Garneau group operates six factories, including its head office facility. It employs over 425 people and boasts a constantly expanding sales figure. Thanks to its original products and inspired marketing, Louis Garneau Sports Inc. has become a world leader in top-of-the-line cycling products