Tahe Outdoors France – formerly Bic Sport – has been filed for receivership with the Vannes Commercial Court in order to protect jobs and find an investor.
The situation stems from a competitive market with seasonal fluctuations leading to cash-flow issues and a downturn in the worldwide economy, together with the withdrawal of the company’s Luxembourg-based shareholder KJK Sports.
Tahe Outdoors France aims to attract new shareholders who will support its development and diversification.
KJK Sports has supported the business for the last two years, injecting cash to cover working capital needs during quieter months, however the investor has decided to discontinue its support.
Small watercraft experience
The receivership process will allow a period of time for Tahe Outdoors France to look for a potential buyer or investor.
The company employs 88 workers and designs and manufactures equipment for the small watercraft and watersports segment from two sites – in Vannes and Cognac.
The Vannes site carries out thermoforming, EPS molding, extrusion and calendering and blow molding, with experience in a variety of materials including HDPE.
Variety of products
The Cognac site manufactures paddles and accessories, carrying out work from design to delivery, specialising in plastic injection moulding and producing up to 300,000 products a year.
Around 55,000 units are manufactured each year covering a variety of products including dinghies, kayaks, foiling craft and stand-up paddleboards.
The company exports to around 90 countries through its TAHE and SIC Maui brands.
In 2024, the company’s turnover reached 9.5 million euros. Including its subsidiaries in the US, Australia and its paddle and oar manufacturing activity in Cognac, the total surpassed 16 million euros.
