Today at its UK Dealer Conference, Zodiac Marine & Pool (ZMP) group announced a change to the distribution of its three major recreational brands Zodiac, Avon and Bombard, which brings the UK into line with other global operations. All personnel and operations of ZMP's UK Company (Avon Inflatables Ltd) remain the same.

Zodiac Marine & Pool also announced the consolidation of its appointed UK dealer network and the launch of a strategic model range review across its three core boat brands. 

Dealer Network
Traditionally, each brand had its own independent dealer network but that distribution function will now be simplified with each appointed dealer able to sell Zodiac, Avon and Bombard boats and liferafts. This move widens the opportunities for dealers as they will now have access to a more extensive range of products from the smallest Bombard budget tender through a wide range of inflatables and RIBs to the larger, luxury day boats and superyacht tenders offered by Zodiac and Avon. As is the case now, some of the larger boats that require engine commissioning and fit-outs will only be available for purchase through authorised and approved Zodiac and Avon RIB Centres.

Alan Morgan, the UK Director of Zodiac Marine & Pool commented: 'This is an exciting development for both our business and our dealer network. There are many benefits of utilising the strength of the global awareness of ZMP, yet still retaining the heritage and brand values of Zodiac, Avon and Bombard.'

'The chance to cross-sell across three ranges will bring great opportunities for our valued dealers as it will strengthen their offering and create more sales prospects which will in turn benefit their own business operations.'

'Equally important is the benefit to the boat buyer, who will now be able to review, compare and analyse an extensive product range with a single salesman and from a single location. We have listened to our customer needs and organised our product range so that it will become much clearer, whilst reinforcing the image and brand identities within.'

Model Range review
'Offering three specific brand lines in the UK, each with an extensive product range has been hugely beneficial to date, but a recent model review has highlighted many similarities in the product range and going forward, we will refine and segment our range offer in two ways:

Horizontally - reflecting the type of use of the craft and Vertically - reflecting degrees of sophistication required by different market sectors

Our 2010 range will reflect the first stage of this process, which will gradually evolve over the next 2/3 years utilising the inherent characteristics of each of our three brands.'   

Further details about future changes to models across all three brands will be announced at the Tullet Prebon London Boat Show during ZMP's press event, which will be held at 10.00am on Press Day, Friday 11th January 2010.