Zhejiang based Wantong Group will be the first China based yacht maker to merge overseas yacht brand. As expected, Chinese shipyards, recently loaded with governmental cash, are now looking overseas to buy ailing yacht factories. This will save lot of time for their brand building strategy! Most productive assets are supposed to move back to China in the coming month. more info or M&A opportunities at info@marinedragon.com

MDC has renewed its partnership with CIBS organizers CMP-Sino Expo to provide market trends and analysis. MDC will be exhibiting in Central Hall this year. Meeting & appointments at info@marinedragon.com

Stephan Chevalier has recently joined MDC in Shanghai. With Naval engineer / Design degree from Southampton, he will develop some OEM and Procurement department for MDC. Stephan speaks English, French and Chinese and can be reached at stephan@marinedragon.com

Two months before China International Boat Show, MDC is releasing 2008 figures for the Chinese boating industry. Both exports and imports are up in value compared to 2007, with respectively USD 250 million and USD 72 million. Despite strong slow down of North American market, China has strengthened its role of strategic industrial and commercial partner for most leading yacht and equipment maker. Full review at adrien@marinedragon.com