Maui-based SUP manufactuer Naish, founded by long time waterman Robby Naish, has been acquired by Kubus Sports, a Netherlands-based sports equipment brands platform. With the acquisition Kubus Sports strengthens its global market position in the watersports industry, growing upon a long and respectful history of more than 20 years, whereby Kubus Sports has acted as a value-added distribution partner for Naish’ watersports equipment products in Europe. The sale takes the cooperation to a new level and will boost further growth and investment in the well-known and pioneering water sports equipment brand. Naish and Kubus Sports will integrate their organizations with the aim to further strengthen the product development, product portfolio, sales and operations.
“Kubus Sports has proven time and again to be a reliable and proactive distribution partner with Naish,” says Naish, who will continue to drive product innovation and will stay on as brand ambassador. “As our product lines have grown over the years and new sports have been introduced, Kubus has always been there for us with strong finance and a well managed organization that has been more than capable of growing with the brand.. From management to communication to logistics they are top notch.”
Naish’ Hawaiian headquarters will remain the core of the R&D program and heritage of the brand for future marketing. Naish’ sales organization on the US mainland will be further strengthened.
Kubus Sports aims to build a home of premium sports equipment brands, from water sports to winter sports and field hockey. The portfolio of 10 brands includes amongst others Prolimit and STX, both leading watersports equipment brands distributed in 60 countries globally. With the acquisition of Naish, Kubus Sports has taken another step in building an internationally leading sports equipment brands platform, following the acquisition of Brabo Hockey and Princess Hockey and introduction of new brands such as Ohana and Brabo Padel. By becoming part of Kubus Sports, Naish can accelerate the broadening of its product portfolio, while further strengthening its global distribution power and presence in all global markets.
“My parents started Naish Hawaii in our Kailua garage in 1979, making and selling custom windsurfing boards that were ridden and cherished all over the world,” says Naish. “A quarter century later the Naish brand has grown into a complete board riding company with a full range of products for windsurfing, kitesurfing, Stand Up Paddling, foil surfing, and wing foiling.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I’ve also come to realize that I have taken the business as far as my passion, knowledge and knowhow will allow. For the Naish brand to meet its full potential requires new direction, new structure, and new energy. This partnership with Kubus Sports will provide that, as well as the resources and infrastructure needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. I am excited to see Kubus Sports push the Naish brand to the next level.”
Adds Kubus Sports CO Cretier: “We’re extremely excited about this opportunity for both companies. We will further strengthen the distribution and portfolio of the Naish brand. The acquisition at the same time puts us in a position to grow our presence in all main markets around the world. The Naish brand is unique, based on Hawaii and bearing the name of the living legend in all water disciplines. When you want to identify yourself with one of our water sports, there is one brand that exudes love for the sport and that is naish. Together with Robby, we continue to work on building our brand.”
For more information on Kubus Sports, visit:
www.kubus-sports.nl/en
