Bailo SpA and Vist Srl of Italy have merged to create Nuovo Gruppo, which will continue to make outdoor apparel and ski gear. The combined company, which will offer both spring/summer and fall/winter product, expects to grow its sales to €36 million by 2016 with EBITDA of about 17 percent.


Bailo, based in Peive Tesino, has been making active outdoor sportswear for more than 50 years and does business in Europe, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Vist, based in Palude di Caldaro, was founded in 1997 to manufacture ski plates and has since become a supplier of Italian made bindings, skis and ski clothing.

 

The merger aims to bolster the competitiveness of both companies as they pursue both the Italian and international markets. In the medium term the company will establish direct sales in new foreign markets in addition to the United States and Switzerland, where it already operates.

 

Nuovo Gruppo has named Bailo President and Founder Bruno Zotta Bailo as chairman of its board of directors. Vist President and Founder Elmar Stimpfl has been named managing director. Roberto Jorio Filiwho has served as general manager of Roberto Cavalli, managing director of Gianfranco Ferre and president of the Valentino Group, was named as top designer.

“We have created a company that will be the reference point for the ski and outdoor winter sports market, with potential to double its turnover in just a few years and grow internationally, with a new product range of its own distribution network in Italy and abroad” said Stimpfl, founder and president of Vist Srl. “Nuovo Gruppo will achieve greater competiveness and have greater resources to invest in innovation and professionalism of the highest standing to compete on the market with wide growth margins, all of which will be guaranteed by years of experience and know-how that find their maximum expression in Bruno Zotta.”
 
Nuovo Gruppo’s operations will be based in a 6,000-square-meter facility in Valsugana that includes production and logistics. Business and marketing offices and a showroom will be in Ora. The Bailo, Vist and Silvy Tricot brands will remain commercially independent.


 
Nuovo Gruppo will develop five lines:



  • Teamwear, jointly developed by Bailo and Vist;
  • Vist, premium technical skiing, fashion and leisure brand;
  • Bailo, for active outdoor spots and freeride skiing;
  • Silvy Tricot for skiing and women’s fashion and
  • Tecnico for bindings and plates.