Zodiac reorganizing its nautical business

ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France (Sept. 12)—Groupe Zodiac is restructuring its Marine Division into three independent business units to take advantage of recent acquisitions and to become even closer to its customers. The marine business accounts for about $115 million in annual sales and makes inflatable boats and other safety and leisure structures under various brands, including Zodiac, Avon, Bombard, DBC, BFA, Jumbo and Hurricane. The new business units are: "Marine-Leisure," "Solas" (safety of life at sea) and "Military and Professional." Zodiac expanded this business segment significantly in 1998-99 by acquiring Avon Marine Ltd., the former inflatables business of Avon Rubber P.L.C.