Earlier in the week, Canadian outdoor retailer SAIL announced the transfer of its ownership to three members of its leadership team. The transaction marks the acquisition of the company by a group of executives composed of Isabelle Lemay, CPA, President, CEO; Stefania Cella, CPA, Vice President and CFO; and Catherine Venne, MBA, Vice President, Marketing. The three have an in-depth knowledge of both the organization and the retail sector, which led the company’s two principal founding shareholders to invite them to take over the company as part of this transaction. “As women entrepreneurs, we are very proud to continue SAIL’s story here in Canada,” said Ms Lemay. “We share a common vision: to keep evolving the company while staying true to its mission of supporting outdoor, hunting and fishing enthusiasts in all their activities. We aim to position SAIL as the go-to partner for outdoor activities in Canada — an even stronger, more relevant and more inspiring destination for the years ahead.” Specializing in outdoor equipment and apparel, offering a wide selection of products for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and outdoor activities, the chain presently counts twelve SAIL-branded stores, eight in Quebec and four in Ontario, as well as a strong online component. The company maintains an ambitious vision for the coming years, including continued commercial expansion and the potential opening of five new stores within five years, strengthening its presence in Quebec and Ontario and bringing outdoor products closer to more consumers. Robert Constantin and Marie-Andree Demers at Intercom Services Immobiliers are handling the site selection for SAIL have noted that the present focus is on the Greater Toronto area and smaller markets in Quebec, such as Trois Riviere, Quebec’s South Shore, etc. The size required is in a 25,000 to 40,000 square foot range. “The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is proud to support this succession led by three seasoned executives, which ensures that a flagship retail company rooted in several regions of Quebec remains in local hands.” said Louis-Joseph Cliche, Vice President, Private Equity and Impact Investing – Agri-food, Consumer Goods and Health, Fonds de solidarité FTQ. “This transfer clearly demonstrates the role that business succession — particularly female-led — plays in Quebec’s economic vitality. The Fonds and SAIL have been partners since 2005. We believe in the expertise, boldness and determination of its leadership team to drive the company’s long-term growth.”
Intercom Services Immobiliers, 1570 Ampere St., Suite 404, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 7L4 (Robert Constantin – 450/655-1334, r.constantin@intercomsi.com) & (Marie-Andree Demers – 514/265-8793 m.demers@intercomsi.com)
SAIL Outdoors Inc., 2850 Jacques-Bureau Ave., Laval, Quebec H7P 0B7 (450/688-6264 www.sail.ca)