Freedom Boat Club and Jeanneau are partnering to develop Freedom franchises among Jeanneau’s European dealer network.
The franchise model is being offered to European Jeanneau retailers that can develop FBC locations in their local markets using Jeanneau outboard boats.
“International expansion has been a focus of our long-term strategy the past year, and we are very pleased to be working in cooperation with Jeanneau and their dealers in our European launch,” FBC president and CEO John Giglio told Trade Only Today in an email.
A growing number of U.S. franchises have placed Jeanneau, Four Winns and Glastron outboard boats in their fleets, Giglio said.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how welcoming the marine retail community in Europe has been in regards to Freedom Boat Club and the boat-sharing economy in general,” Giglio said.
“They clearly grasp how the boat club model is a powerful channel for future new-boat sales and represents a lucrative opportunity for both retail and industry growth,” he said. “We’re excited to expand our proven concept into Europe and are exploring other exciting opportunities on other continents, as well.”
Giglio said he expects to announce multiple Freedom Boat Clubs in France this spring, with additional expansion throughout Europe.
A group of Jeanneau dealers attending the Miami International Boat Show will meet with FBC executives to tour a large Florida-based franchise.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this international expansion is our exclusive membership benefit featuring reciprocity,” Giglio said in a statement. “Our Freedom Boat Club members around the world will enjoy full access to our fleet of boats wherever clubs exist, and that will now include international ports of call.”
“The boat clubs are a real trend that our dealers are keen to develop,” Jeanneau CEO Jean-Paul Chapeleau said. “It’s a unique opportunity to benefit from an experienced partner while launching this new service to our customers.”
