Now you can add a high-end inflatable IK line to Pelican International’s growing paddlesports portfolio.
Just two years after acquiring Confluence Outdoors, whose brands include Dagger, Perception, Wilderness Systems, Wave Sport and Mad River Canoe, Laval, Quebec’s Pelican International Inc., now the world leader in the paddlesports industry, has acquired Advanced Elements Inc., a pioneer in the inflatable market, through its wholly owned subsidiary Confluence Outdoors LLC.
The acquisition broadens Pelican’s portfolio in the paddlesports industry, as it now offers all of its quality products with a complete range of technology, in addition to positioning Pelican as a key player in inflatable watercraft development and innovation.
“This transaction fits perfectly into our strategy to further consolidate our position as a world leader within the paddle sports industry and to offer high-quality and high-performance products to diverse consumers across all ages and backgrounds who want to explore the world outdoors,” said Pelican President Danick Lavoie. “The Advanced Elements acquisition carves a path forward to help us become the premier brand of inflatable kayaks and SUPs in more than 50 countries. It’s an ideal addition to our product offering to reach our audience across traditional and e-commerce channels.”
Known for its recent release of its new AirVolution™ Drop-Stitch Kayak, a streamlined high-performer whose rigidity rivals that of hard-shells, Advanced Elements will benefit from Pelican’s distribution channels and manufacturing efficiencies.
“We’ve sought and envisioned this partnership for a long time and are thrilled to join Pelican International with a complete and powerful line-up of products,” said Clay Haller, co-founder and president of Advanced Elements. “We wanted a business collaboration that would bring us to the next level and leverage our know-how and leadership position in the inflatable and SUP markets, and we could not hope for a better partner. I am confident that this next phase in our venture will define this market as both our passions for technology and our focus on customer needs will set us apart.”
Added Pellican Senior Vice-president of Global Sales and Marketing, Frederic Guay: “It provides us with another well-respected and recognizable brand to offer our extensive distribution network in order to meet the fast-growing demand for inflatable kayaks and SUPs. I look forward to this next chapter in our growth strategy.”