CORE joins forces with Elan

Elan d.o.o. is pleased to announce that it has acquired CORE Kiteboarding GmbH as part of a long-term strategic partnership. With this transaction, CORE is becoming a part of a broader international sports group, while continuing to operate as an independent, premium kitesurfing and wing foiling brand.

“CORE is a highly respected premium brand with a strong identity, loyal riders and a passionate team behind it. We are here to support the brand and help it grow,” said Jeffrey Tirman, CEO of Elan. “By bringing CORE into Elan, we are strengthening our year-round portfolio in water and wind sports.”

The new ownership structure brings CORE closer to the Elan Sports Division and provides a stronger platform for future development:

• CORE joins a group with extensive experience in building and scaling premium sports brands.
• For Elan, CORE adds a strong, summer-focused watersports pillar alongside winter sports and other activities, contributing to a more balanced year-round business.
• CORE will have access to Elan’s broader network in product development, operations, and international markets, while maintaining its own DNA and style.

 “The new structure gives CORE a stronger foundation for the next phase of its development,” said Jochen Czwalina, CEO of CORE. “Being part of the Elan Group provides access to additional expertise and operational strength, while allowing us to continue leading CORE as an independent organization from Fehmarn with a clear long-term perspective.” Philip Schinnagel, CBO of CORE, added: “Elan has built a legacy of quality and innovation over 80 years. Combining forces creates a powerful platform to further evolve CORE’s products and brand in key markets, while staying true to what defines CORE.”

CORE will continue to operate from its headquarters on the island of Fehmarn with its existing management team and brand positioning. The company’s outstanding commitment to riders, partners and customers remains unchanged. Elan and CORE will explore selected opportunities to cooperate more closely in product development, operations and key markets where such collaboration creates clear added value.

“CORE is a leading premium brand in its segment, with strong credibility in the global watersports community,” said Leon Korošec, Vice President of Elan and Managing Director of the Elan Sports Division. “We see CORE as a long-term pillar of Elan Sports that strengthens our position as a specialist in performance sports and creates a natural summer counterpart to our winter business. Our role is clear: to give CORE greater strength in product development, operations and international reach, while preserving what makes it special – a strong rider-driven identity and a close connection to its community. We look forward to building the next chapter of CORE together with the team in Fehmarn and further expanding both the Elan and CORE brands internationally.”