Dalbello & Elan Join Forces
Written by Dan Morgan, Tuesday, 17 October 2006Italian ski boot maker Dalbello and Slovenian ski manufacturer Elan have announced a strategic global alliance in the US and Cananda.
"Dalbello and Elan firmly believe that focused, specialized companies have a distinct advantage when it comes to staying in touch with the consumer, remaining flexible and being responsive to the needs of the market." explained Clint Lyon, CEO of Dalbello-Elan Sports.
Each entity will maintain its own respective manufacturing processes, however the newly formed group is expected to share research and development. "The rampant consolidations in our industry have primarily benefited the manufacturers with little or no direct benefit to retailers or consumers. There are, however, commercial advantages to being able to offer the ‘total package’. The new association between Dalbello and Elan offers the best solution."
Elan will be a minority share holder in the joint venture, with US headquarters being relocated from West Lebanon, New Hampshire to the Dalbello Sports facility in Andover, New Hampshire.
Each entity will continue to manufacture their products independantly although research and development will be shared.