Kubus Sports has been the European importer for Naish for more than 20 years, and now the company from the Netherlands has acquired the entire company from Robby Naish. The deal includes both the parent company Nalu Kai Inc. and the affiliated Pacific Board Sports, Naish's US distributor. Both companies were previously under the management of Robby Naish.
According to the Kubus Sports press release, Robby will continue to lead product development and be present as a brand ambassador. The Naish headquarters on Maui will also remain as an R&D centre. At the same time, sales in the USA are to be strengthened. In addition to windsurfing equipment, Naish also develops and sells SUPs, wings, foils, kites and the respective accessories.
"The sale of Naish to Kubus Sports takes the collaboration to a whole new level and will accelerate further growth," writes Kubus in its press release. "Naish and Kubus Sports will merge their structures with the aim of strengthening product development, portfolio, sales and leadership."
I have taken the brand as far as my passion, knowledge and expertise allow." (Robby Naish)
Robby Naish wants less business and more on the water
Robby Naish says of the deal: "My parents founded Naish Hawaii in 1979 in our garage in Kailua, making and selling custom windsurf boards that were ridden and appreciated around the world. I expanded the reach of the Naish brand in the mid-90s with the introduction of Naish Sails Hawaii windsurf sails. A quarter of a century later, the Naish brand has evolved into a complete boardriding company with a full range of products for windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand up paddling, foil surfing and wing foiling.
But I have also realised that I have taken the business as far as my passion, knowledge and expertise will allow. For the Naish brand to realise its full potential, a new direction, a new structure and new energy are required. This partnership with Kubus Sports will provide the resources and infrastructure needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. I'm also looking forward to slowing down my life a little. The sale frees me from day-to-day business and stress and will allow me to refocus on why I started in the first place: getting out on the water... riding, for pure fun and enjoyment!"
Kubus Sports wants to further expand its presence
The new owners have big plans for the brand: "Naish is unique, has its roots in Hawaii and bears the name of the living legend," says Alex Cretier, CEO of Kubus Sports. "Together with Robby, we are continuing to work on expanding our brand." In addition to Naish, Kubus also distributes other water sports brands such as Prolimit and STX, as well as numerous other fun sports products. Kubus carries out R&D, design and marketing for many products itself, but production is outsourced. In Germany, Naish, Prolimit and STX are imported and distributed by Kailua Sports.
