In a strategic move poised to reshape the landscape of marine and industrial technology, the Breton industrial landscape has witnessed the formation of Francbord, a new powerhouse created through the evolution of the Ecomer group and its pivotal merger with the SME Enag. This consolidation marks a significant step forward, establishing a fortified supplier dedicated to delivering advanced technological solutions tailored for the demanding maritime and industrial sectors. The merger was underpinned by a successful new fundraising initiative, drawing substantial support from a consortium of prominent investors. This backing, which includes the maritime sector decarbonization fund managed by Bpifrance, Unexo (a Crédit Agricole subsidiary), Go Capital, and the Mer Invest fund, signals strong market confidence in Francbord’s vision. The formation of this integrated entity is not merely a corporate restructuring but a deliberate strategy to create a comprehensive, independent leader in onboard equipment and technical solutions that champion safety, operational efficiency, and the critical energy transition within the shipping industry and beyond.
A Synergistic Union of Expertise
The foundation of the newly formed Francbord Group rests upon an integrated structure of three highly complementary companies, each bringing a unique and established legacy of expertise to the table. At the forefront is Enag, a Quimper-based French leader with an impressive 80-year history in the specialized field of energy conversion systems. Enag’s reputation is built on its exceptional ability to design and manufacture industrial electrical equipment engineered to perform flawlessly in the most unforgiving environments. The company has perfected the development of sophisticated electronic and electromechanical systems capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including severe temperatures, constant vibration, sudden shocks, and high humidity. This resilience makes its products indispensable for a wide range of applications across both the civil and military maritime sectors, as well as for critical land-based industries that demand unwavering reliability and performance from their core operational equipment, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Francbord’s technical capabilities.
Completing this powerful trio are Marinelec Technologies and the newly launched Ecomer Data, which together provide a comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions. Marinelec Technologies, also based in Quimper for the past 50 years and acquired by Geoffroy Lacoin in 2022, is renowned for its state-of-the-art surveillance, alarm, and control equipment. The company serves an extensive and diverse array of vessels, including commercial ships, military fleets, passenger liners, and fishing boats, demonstrating its versatility and deep market penetration with a strong presence in both French (60%) and international (40%) markets. The third pillar is Ecomer Data, a forward-thinking subsidiary established in 2024. This software-centric company is sharply focused on enhancing the operational and energy efficiency of ships throughout their entire lifecycle. By offering advanced onboard equipment paired with sophisticated software services, Ecomer Data positions itself as a pivotal player in the global maritime decarbonization effort, directly addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges and future-proofing the group’s offerings.
Strategic Leadership and Financial Backing
This transformative transaction was made possible through robust financial support from both long-standing partners and new investors, reflecting a shared confidence in the group’s strategic direction. The deal was notably bolstered by reinvestment from Bpifrance and Mer Invest, who have been consistent supporters of the group’s vision. Their continued commitment was augmented by fresh capital from two new key players, Unexo and Go Capital, whose involvement further validates the merger’s potential and expands Francbord’s financial foundation. This powerful coalition of investors provides not only the necessary capital for growth but also a wealth of strategic expertise, particularly in sectors targeted for expansion. The backing from Bpifrance’s maritime decarbonization fund, for instance, aligns perfectly with the mission of the Ecomer Data subsidiary, creating a synergy that promises to accelerate innovation in green shipping technologies and sustainable maritime operations for years to come.
The leadership structure of the consolidated group has been meticulously designed to ensure both continuity of expertise and a clear path for strategic growth. In a key transition, Enag’s long-serving CEO, Henri Le Gallais, entrusted the company’s leadership to Geoffroy Lacoin and Jean Brossollet. However, Le Gallais has remained deeply involved in the new entity, taking on the crucial roles of a major shareholder and the Vice President in charge of strategy and external growth for Francbord. This arrangement ensures that his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision will continue to guide the group’s expansion. Together, these three key executives became the major shareholders, collectively holding approximately 70% of Francbord’s capital. This move solidifies the group’s ambition to become a premier independent operator of reference in France and on the international stage, leveraging its deep-rooted maritime expertise to support other civil and defense industries with high-performance technical solutions.Fixed version:
In a strategic move poised to reshape the landscape of marine and industrial technology, the Breton industrial landscape has witnessed the formation of Francbord, a new powerhouse created through the evolution of the Ecomer group and its pivotal merger with the SME Enag. This consolidation marks a significant step forward, establishing a fortified supplier dedicated to delivering advanced technological solutions tailored for the demanding maritime and industrial sectors. The merger was underpinned by a successful new fundraising initiative, drawing substantial support from a consortium of prominent investors. This backing, which includes the maritime sector decarbonization fund managed by Bpifrance, Unexo (a Crédit Agricole subsidiary), Go Capital, and the Mer Invest fund, signals strong market confidence in Francbord’s vision. The formation of this integrated entity is not merely a corporate restructuring but a deliberate strategy to create a comprehensive, independent leader in onboard equipment and technical solutions that champion safety, operational efficiency, and the critical energy transition within the shipping industry and beyond.
A Synergistic Union of Expertise
The foundation of the newly formed Francbord Group rests upon an integrated structure of three highly complementary companies, each bringing a unique and established legacy of expertise to the table. At the forefront is Enag, a Quimper-based French leader with an impressive 80-year history in the specialized field of energy conversion systems. Enag’s reputation is built on its exceptional ability to design and manufacture industrial electrical equipment engineered to perform flawlessly in the most unforgiving environments. The company has perfected the development of sophisticated electronic and electromechanical systems capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including severe temperatures, constant vibration, sudden shocks, and high humidity. This resilience makes its products indispensable for a wide range of applications across both the civil and military maritime sectors, as well as for critical land-based industries that demand unwavering reliability and performance from their core operational equipment, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Francbord’s technical capabilities.
Completing this powerful trio are Marinelec Technologies and the newly launched Ecomer Data, which together provide a comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions. Marinelec Technologies, also based in Quimper for the past 50 years and acquired by Geoffroy Lacoin in 2022, is renowned for its state-of-the-art surveillance, alarm, and control equipment. The company serves an extensive and diverse array of vessels, including commercial ships, military fleets, passenger liners, and fishing boats, demonstrating its versatility and deep market penetration with a strong presence in both French (60%) and international (40%) markets. The third pillar is Ecomer Data, a forward-thinking subsidiary established in 2024. This software-centric company is sharply focused on enhancing the operational and energy efficiency of ships throughout their entire lifecycle. By offering advanced onboard equipment paired with sophisticated software services, Ecomer Data positions itself as a pivotal player in the global maritime decarbonization effort, directly addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges and future-proofing the group’s offerings.
Strategic Leadership and Financial Backing
This transformative transaction was made possible through robust financial support from both long-standing partners and new investors, reflecting a shared confidence in the group’s strategic direction. The deal was notably bolstered by reinvestment from Bpifrance and Mer Invest, who have been consistent supporters of the group’s vision. Their continued commitment was augmented by fresh capital from two new key players, Unexo and Go Capital, whose involvement further validates the merger’s potential and expands Francbord’s financial foundation. This powerful coalition of investors provides not only the necessary capital for growth but also a wealth of strategic expertise, particularly in sectors targeted for expansion. The backing from Bpifrance’s maritime decarbonization fund, for instance, aligns perfectly with the mission of the Ecomer Data subsidiary, creating a synergy that promises to accelerate innovation in green shipping technologies and sustainable maritime operations for years to come.
The leadership structure of the consolidated group has been meticulously designed to ensure both continuity of expertise and a clear path for strategic growth. In a key transition, Enag’s long-serving CEO, Henri Le Gallais, entrusted the company’s leadership to Geoffroy Lacoin and Jean Brossollet. However, Le Gallais has remained deeply involved in the new entity, taking on the crucial roles of a major shareholder and the Vice President in charge of strategy and external growth for Francbord. This arrangement ensures that his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision will continue to guide the group’s expansion. Together, these three key executives became the major shareholders, collectively holding approximately 70% of Francbord’s capital. This move solidifies the group’s ambition to become a premier independent operator of reference in France and on the international stage, leveraging its deep-rooted maritime expertise to support other civil and defense industries with high-performance technical solutions.
