Mares Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

Mares S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer specializing in scuba diving equipment, founded in 1949 by Ludovico Mares in Rapallo, Liguria, Italy. Initially, the company produced diving masks and spearguns, expanding over the decades to become one of the largest scuba equipment manufacturers globally. In 1996, Mares merged with the U.S. manufacturer Dacor, further solidifying its position in the industry.

Mission and Vision

Mares is dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative diving equipment that enhances the underwater experience for divers worldwide. The company's vision is to lead in the development of advanced diving technologies, ensuring safety, performance, and enjoyment for all diving enthusiasts.

Primary Area of Focus

Mares focuses on the design, manufacturing, and distribution of a comprehensive range of scuba diving equipment, including regulators, dive computers, instruments, buoyancy control devices (BCD), diving wear, fins, masks, snorkels, and accessories. In 2019, Mares expanded its product line by entering the rebreather market with the launch of the Horizon.

Industry Significance

As a leading manufacturer in the scuba diving industry, Mares plays a pivotal role in setting standards for quality and innovation. Its products are recognized for their reliability and performance, contributing significantly to the advancement of diving equipment technology.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovation: Continuously develop and introduce cutting-edge diving technologies.

Quality Assurance: Maintain high manufacturing standards to ensure product reliability and safety.

Market Expansion: Increase global market presence through strategic partnerships and distribution channels.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Advanced Diving Equipment: Focus on developing products for technical and recreational divers, including regulators, dive computers, and rebreathers.

Diving Accessories: Offer a wide range of accessories such as dive torches, knives, and surface marker buoys to enhance the diving experience.

Key Technologies Utilized

Advanced Materials: Utilize durable and lightweight materials to enhance equipment performance and comfort.

Ergonomic Design: Implement user-centric designs to improve usability and safety.

Integrated Systems: Develop integrated systems in dive computers and regulators for seamless operation.

Primary Markets Targeted

Recreational Divers: Provide equipment suitable for leisure diving activities.

Technical Divers: Offer specialized equipment for advanced diving techniques and environments.

Commercial Diving Operations: Supply durable and reliable equipment for professional diving applications.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Mares is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financial information or funding history.

Recent Developments

In 2016, Mares expanded its product portfolio by acquiring 100% of REVO BVBA Belgium, a leading manufacturer of Closed Circuit Rebreathers (CCR). This strategic acquisition allowed Mares to enter the rebreather market, offering divers advanced equipment for extended range diving.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Mares Horizon Rebreather: Launched in 2019, the Horizon is Mares' first rebreather, designed to provide divers with extended range capabilities while maintaining ease of use and safety.

Stages of Development

Product Launch: The Horizon was introduced to the market in 2019, marking Mares' entry into the rebreather segment.

Target Conditions

Extended Range Diving: Designed for divers seeking to explore beyond traditional limits, including deeper depths and longer durations.

Anticipated Milestones

Market Adoption: Achieving widespread acceptance among technical divers.

Product Enhancements: Ongoing development to incorporate user feedback and technological advancements.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Mares 4.0+ Platform: An exclusive IT platform developed to integrate production machines in factories, ensuring interoperability, certified data collection, and open system architecture.

Significant Scientific Methods

Advanced Ergonomics: Utilizing ergonomic design principles to enhance user comfort and equipment usability.

Integrated System Design: Developing integrated systems in dive computers and regulators for seamless operation.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Johan Eliasch: Chairman of Head NV, the parent company of Mares.

Gerald Skrobanek: Vice President responsible for the diving segment at Head NV.

Professional Backgrounds

Johan Eliasch: A seasoned executive with extensive experience in the sporting goods industry, leading Head NV's strategic direction.

Gerald Skrobanek: An expert in diving equipment, overseeing Mares' product development and market strategies.

Key Contributions

Johan Eliasch: Guided Head NV's acquisition of Mares, integrating it into the company's portfolio.

Gerald Skrobanek: Led the expansion of Mares' product line, including the introduction of the Horizon rebreather.

Market and Competitor Analysis

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global scuba diving equipment market is characterized by steady growth, driven by increasing interest in recreational diving and advancements in diving technologies. Key trends include the adoption of digital dive computers, demand for lightweight and durable equipment, and the expansion of technical diving activities.

Competitor Landscape

Scubapro: A leading competitor offering a wide range of diving equipment, known for its innovative designs and quality products.

SeacSub SpA: An Italian manufacturer specializing in diving equipment, recognized for its focus on safety and performance.

Aqualung: A global brand offering a comprehensive range of diving gear, emphasizing user comfort and technological innovation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Mares has strengthened its market position through strategic collaborations, notably the acquisition of REVO BVBA Belgium in 2016, enabling entry into the rebreather market.

Operational Insights

Mares differentiates itself through a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. Its integration with Head NV provides access to extensive resources and expertise, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Mares is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in technical diving and rebreather technologies. Future opportunities include expanding its product offerings, enhancing digital integration in diving equipment, and exploring new markets to further solidify its leadership in the industry.