Entre-Prises (EP) press pack

Contents

1. Specialist in climbing solutions for over 30 years

2. A comprehensive, diverse offer

3. The EP story: from pioneer to world leader, a journey built on innovation

4. Vision and values: making climbing accessible to all

5. The boom in the climbing market

6. Entre-prises key figures

7. The story of climbing

8. Contacts

April 2017

1. Specialist in climbing solutions for over 30 years

Entre-Prises (EP) is a pioneer in the climbing wall industry, designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke solutions for the sport of climbing throughout the world.

From school walls to complex structures for international competitions by way of military training walls, fun climbing structures, and artificial caves, EP solutions cater for every environment, every climber, and every climbing discipline.

EP is active in a variety of markets: local authorities, clubs and federations, professional groups, and private investors (Clip 'n Climb). As a multi-specialist, EP also operates many leisure centres and organises events such as top-level climbing competitions.

Entre-Prises is constantly innovating to deliver complete and comprehensive solutions (structures, landing surfaces, holds, accessories, services, etc.) tailored to every type of wall and every project.

EP has developed the tried and true expertise required to provide detailed guidance for every stage of a wall project: from its conception to its management, including design, construction, and route-setting … and finally, maintenance services.

Entre-Prises is constantly innovating and developing new products and services to meet its customers’ increasingly ambitious requirements. EP acts as a true local partner, with customisable solutions that provide comprehensive support for our customers and their projects.

EP: A specialist in climbing solutions, committed to making climbing accessible to all.

For further information, see: www.entre-prises.com

2. 2. A comprehensive, diverse offer

1. EP SPORTS

Climb anywhere! On a wall, a boulder, or nets. Slip, fall, climb again, defy gravity, in complete safety... Choose your challenge!

Innovative technologies

MozaiK walls: A construction system consisting of digitally cut (CNC) high-quality wooden panels that offer a wide range of options for designs that are functional, versatile and creative.

The most versatile technology for creating designs of every type (geometric shapes, 2D curves or 3D faces). Optimal compatibility with macros, volumes and all types of options.

Its fine, even finish makes it hard-wearing, non-marking, and gentle on the skin.

Freeform structures: Rock climbing even better than the real thing! The best available technology for rock-climbing structures. 100% hand-sculpted surface for perfect simulation, down to the tiniest details of the rock. Can be used as a stand-alone structure, or combined with other technologies to vary climbing styles.

Perfect simulation of rock, 100% hand-sculpted to re-create all rock and climb types. Natural rock colours. Other custom colours available on request

Lightwave Rock Effect: Simple, effective simulated rock! This technology based on moulded composite materials painted in “natural rock” shades has been used for years in Europe, and simulates rock perfectly at an affordable price.

The 100% hand-sculpted simulated rock surface can replicate all types of rock and climb, and represents superb value for your money.

Natural colours to simulate rock perfectly. Other colours available on request.

A comprehensive range of holds and accessories:

Trublue auto belays to enable solo climbing, and thereby increase entry/subscription numbers - a competitive advantage over other facilities lacking this equipment.

Wood and polyester Macros to vary routes and the appearance of the wall, boosting climbers’ motivation and visit frequency.

Climbing holds available in polyurethane (light and flexible) or polyester (rigid and scuff-resistant). Training beams and other apparatus (rings, suspension balls, etc.) for the training area (highly

recommended)

A wide range of services:

- Inspection and maintenance: Our technicians are trained in working at height, and have the expertise required to assess the condition of your climbing structure, climbing holds, matting and climbing equipment, and to advise you on the actions to be undertaken to guarantee the highest standards of safety for users.

- PPE inspection: Setting up appropriate systems for managing equipment.

- Maintaining compliance: Entre-Prises engineers can assess compliance with EN12572 standards. And if your climbing wall is not compliant, we can provide you with a report on the actions required to bring it back into compliance.

- Route setting: EP’s route setters are qualified to set routes and train staff on-site. - ACS management consultancy: EP’s training covers safety, instruction, and management of equipment.

An innovative training concept:

Monkey Space / a true innovation

Launched in 2016, Monkey Space is a new 3-dimensional structure set to revolutionise training. Self-standing and highly modular, with a cubic base, it comes with a constantly evolving range of training tools and accessories for customising routes. Monkey Space offers infinite possibilities for training in a safe, ergonomic environment.

Initially available in 4 sizes, (9, 18, 27 or 36m2) it enables climbers and gymnasts to develop their technical and physical skills, whatever their standard!

This new training tool is constantly evolving, easy to assemble, user friendly and great fun. It is the perfect fit for any climbing or fitness gym or multi-sport centre seeking to enhance its customer experience.

For further information, see: www.monkeyspacebyep.com

2. EP ADVENTURE

Clip 'n Climb An innovative concept in fun climbing

Rise to the challenge, whatever it may be! Developed in 2005 in New Zealand, Clip 'n Climb is a unique climbing-based concept in leisure centres, for all the family. It’s the ultimate in fun climbing, comprising more than 36 unique challenges accessible to climbers of all standards, and offering activities with a variety of themes and strategies. With its unique style and Trublue auto belay system, Clip ’n Climb provides a safe, fun environment where climbing really becomes a game! Climbers only have to clip into the safety system and climb, to attempt the challenges!

Schoolkids, families, groups of friends or team building activities, some come to confront their fear of heights, while others test their physical strength, speed or agility! For birthday parties, families, associations, sports clubs, and works social clubs.

Clip 'n Climb is revolutionising the leisure sport market, offering thrills and excitement to all. With centres on three continents attracting thousands of visitors every day, this new concept in indoor leisure is a true international success!

For further information, see: Clip 'N Climb.eu

Clip ‘n Climb is in 35 countries throughout the world The 100th centre opened in December 2016 in Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Artificial caving!

Entre-Prises has expanded into the underground sector, developing innovative solutions for caving. Negotiating narrow passageways, descending shafts, diving into sumps and moving through undulating tunnels is an experience like no other, exhilarating and sometimes daunting. Entre-Prises bespoke caving systems let visitors explore the “unknown” in a safe, controlled environment. From ultra-realistic caving systems to recreational indoor caves for kids, Entre-Prises offers everyone the chance to explore underground caves, whether for fun or for professional training. The caves are suitable for training individuals or groups who need to practice rescue or evacuation techniques in confined spaces or areas with restricted access (firefighters, ambulance staff, search and rescue groups).

3. The EP story: from pioneer to world leader, a journey built on innovation.

Entre-Prises grew out of the worldwide surge in “free” climbing, and the brand’s growth and the expansion of climbing have been inextricably linked ever since. Both are growing still, with the marked rise in new climbing facilities proving that climbing is a sport accessible to all. Climbing is set to become an Olympic sport at the 2020 Tokyo Games, reflecting the steady but significant development of a sport, and often a lifestyle, set apart by the values it represents: respect for others, pushing one’s limits, perseverance, and reward for effort.

Key dates in EP’s history 1985 - As free climbing grows in France and worldwide, Entre-Prises is founded, and the first artificial climbing hold is created by climber François Savigny at Saint Vincent de Mercuze, France 1986 - First artificial climbing wall built from wooden panels 1990 - 3D walls created, together with Empreinte: innovative polyester panels for 3-dimensional walls 1995 - Entre-Prises is established in the United Kingdom 1996 - Entre-Prises is established in the United States 2000 - EPS "Explosion Proof System" safety system invented for climbing holds 2000 - Freeform: a new polyester climbing surface with no visible seams for a perfect simulation of rock 2001 - Entre-Prises Germany opens 2002 - Acquisition by the ABEO Group 2003 - Entre-Prises China opens 2006 - MozaiK: the new construction system using wooden panels enabling 3D wall designs 2011 - The modular artificial cave system: Speleo 2011 - Takeover of the Spanish company Top30 2012 - A new concept in leisure sport, Clip ’n Climb, comes to market - the first centre opens in Exeter 2013 - Official partner and exclusive supplier of climbing walls to the International Federation of Sport Climbing – IFSC 2015 - Acquisition of 50 % of the New Zealand company Clip ’n Climb International 2016 - Monkey Space: a modular, innovative training concept:

4. Vision and values: making climbing accessible to all

It goes without saying that Entre-Prises remains an ambassador for the sport, and works to ensure its continued growth.

Sharing, respect for others, pushing one’s limits, perseverance and well-being are the values behind the expansion of the sport. Since its beginnings, EP has consistently contributed to the development of climbing, with the aim of maintaining and increasing its accessibility to all. To this end, EP is a partner to many national federations (BMC - British Mountaineering Council, USA CLIMBING, FEDME, the Spanish federation for mountain sports and climbing), the official supplier of climbing walls for the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), and supports many local associations.

EP is a member of professional associations: IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) in the USA, CWMA (Climbing Wall Manufacturers Association), CWA (Climbing Wall Association), AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association and Access Fund), and sponsor of many local climbing clubs and events.

Renowned for its expertise, gained both as a supplier of structures (2012 IFSC World Championships in Bercy, Millau Natural Games in 2013, 2014 IFSC World Championships in Gijón, ABS USA climbing in 2015, 2016 IFSC World Cup in Villars, Deep Water Solo Exeter in 2016, VOC La Rochelle in 2016, Spanish Championships in 2017) and as an organiser, Entre-Prises and its subsidiary Climbat have recently signed an agreement with FEDME to organise Spanish national competitions up to 2020.

Quality and Safety at the heart of every project. The R&D team has a two-fold priority: innovation and improvement in products and processes.

Meanwhile, the projects team prioritises customised support for every customer, from project design to handover. Working closely with every customer is just one of the EP teams’ strengths.

The climbing surfaces are unique: textures are hard-wearing, non-marking and comfortable, features and assembly are of the highest precision and quality, with an ISO9001-certified European production site.

Environmental impact is limited thanks to a life cycle analysis of the structures, and the use of FSC-certified wood panels (MozaiK).

For over 30 years, every single Entre-Prises project has been carried out with the greatest respect for safety, both human and environmental, in every country the company has operated in.

5. The boom in the climbing market

The sport of climbing is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Every indicator is up: member numbers at the French climbing federation, the FFME, and the proliferation of artificial climbing structures in schools, where the majority of students try out the sport. The indoor climbing market is showing steady growth. Climbing has become a fitness activity just like yoga and gymnastics, and is following the trend for creating complementary leisure facilities around itself that incorporate concepts of well-being and balanced diet.

“It’s the new craze in sports and fitness among executives. Climbing is trending, particularly in its highly urban, indoor version. It develops concentration, confidence in oneself and in others, and decision-making skills.” So ran a headline in business paper les Echos, in July 2016. A few figures 2,000 ACSs managed by the FFME 70 private facilities in France in 2015 The historic markets of France and the US are now joined by a number of emerging countries (Asia), with double-digit worldwide growth over the last five years.

- France has seen a 65% increase in members in 10 years, for over 1 million climbers in 2016. 700,000 of these use indoor facilities.

- Bouldering gyms account for much of the growth (50% of new facilities in the USA). - This development is substantiated by the inclusion of climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

A January 2016 study by FIFAS, the French federation for sports and leisure industries, confirms this growth: - Many new members are joining. - Climbing is a group sport, practised with friends and family. - It is increasingly popular with girls and women, 90% of whom climb every week. - A highly popular sport: 59% climb regularly in indoor facilities, and 41% out of doors.

This rapid rise in popularity is mirrored in bouldering, which perfectly embodies the values of sharing and healthy competition. A sport undergoing profound change

Initially an outdoor sport, climbing has grown fastest in indoor facilities. Although the sport was considered elitist for many years, the growth of bouldering makes it accessible

to all. Traditionally an adventure and mountain sport, its most significant development is in training and

well-being. A sport practised in small communities, reflecting the trend for social interaction.

6. Entre-Prises, the world’s leading manufacturer of ACS: key figures

EP has completed some 500 Artificial Climbing Structure (ACS) projects in France in the last five years, (school gyms, club gyms, private facilities, outdoor boulders, training structures for professionals). The last two years have seen a marked increase in new urban climbing facilities, particularly for bouldering. EP has been highly active outside France, making 85% of its revenue overseas and across borders in 2015-16.

Key facts and figures

- 2015 turnover: €25M, 85% outside France - 270 employees worldwide - Headquarters at Saint Vincent de Mercuze, France - 7 sales subsidiaries: France, England, Germany, United States, China, Spain and Norway - 4 production sites: Spain (ISO9001 certified), England, China and the United States - A distributor network in more than 30 countries

Management and supervision of a network of three centre concepts

- 11 Climbat centres: climbing facilities. Sport and fitness. - More than 55 Clip’ n Climb centres: recreational climbing for all. Children and families. - 5 Dock39 adventure centres: leisure centres. Children and families.

Entre-Prises is a member of the ABEO Group

The French group ABEO is a major world player in the sports and leisure facilities sector. ABEO’s activity falls into three divisions:

1) Gymnastics and other sports: based around the Gymnova, Janssen-Fritsen, Spieth Gymnastics and Spieth America brands, all world leaders in the specialism. Between them, these four brands have been involved in the Olympic Games more than 11 times: Janssen-Fritsen equipped the Beijing Games in 2008, Gymnova the 2012 Games in London, and Spieth Gymnastics and Gymnova the 2016 Rio Games. These four brands guarantee the Group’s strong presence on every continent.

2) Other sports based around the Schelde Sports brands. Specialising in team sports, particularly basketball, and also able to install comprehensive facilities for gyms, O'Jump, wrestling and other combat sports, and Adec Sport, a Belgian generalist.

Climbing, centred on the Entre-Prises brand, world leader in artificial climbing walls, and the Top 30, Dock 39, and Clip ‘n Climb brands.

3) Fittings and fixtures for changing rooms, with France Equipement, Sanitec, Suffixe, Navic and Villeroy DAL, all leading brands in France, and Prospec in England and the US.

Every ABEO brand designs its products in its own design office, and operates with a high degree of autonomy.

Key points of reference ABEO has tripled its volume of business since 2010 with strong international growth. ABEO achieves 1/3 of its turnover in France, 85% in Europe, and 15% in the rest of the world. The Group has 1,100 employees, 400 of them in France, spread between 48 companies. Turnover: €148M worldwide in 2016.

7. The story of climbing

The origins of both bouldering and rock climbing date back to the late 19th century. It was in 1897 in Fontainebleau that the first climbers started to take an interest in rocks other than to paint or chisel them. As for rock climbing, the first vertical adventures can be traced to England and East Germany, at the end of the same century.

Climbing, mountaineering’s little sister

In the early days, it was primarily practised solely in preparation for mountaineering. Only a handful of unorthodox climbers had a sense of the full sporting and spiritual possibilities of rock climbing, and they were widely viewed as outsiders. One of these was the Austrian Paul Preuss, who in 1911 achieved a first in rock climbing when he climbed the east face of Campanile Basso in the western Dolomites solo and with no belaying system. The German Hans Dulfer demonstrated his prodigious talent as a solo climber from 1913 onwards, and invented many climbing techniques, one of which is still named after him. In the 1930s, the Italian Emilio Comici introduced a new dimension to climbing: aesthetic appeal. By the 1940s, on the boulders at Fontainebleau, Frenchman Pierre Allain had laid the initial foundations for the fun activity of bouldering: we need no reminder of how popular it has been ever since. He is also remembered for inventing climbing shoes. John Gill, from America, took bouldering to another level, completing climbs recognised today as extremely difficult. Not until the ‘60s did climbing become a phenomenon with its own true identity. Top-level free climbing grew exponentially in the United States, particularly in California where Yosemite was to become a mecca for new-wave climbing. In the ‘70s, climbing gradually gained popularity as a sport all over the world, fully taking off in France in the 1980s. Media coverage of Patrick Edlinger made a lasting impression on the collective imagination: sport climbing and “free” climbing were now firmly established. In the US, Germany, England and elsewhere, people were now aware of the significance of climbing as a sport in its own right, and no longer solely as preparation for mountaineering.

First international competitions, first artificial walls and structures.

The first climbing competitions were held in 1947 in the USSR, and were mostly restricted to Russian athletes until the 1980s. The first modern-day climbing competition took place on 7 July 1985 on the cliffs at Bardonecchia, in Italy. The best climbers of the day were invited to take part in a lead climbing contest, with Catherine Destivelle of France and Stefan Glowacz of Germany emerging as winners. The following year’s competition was even more successful. Watched by over 10,000 spectators and broadcast on several European TV channels, the final was won by Patrick Edlinger and Catherine Destivelle, both from France.

In the same year, 1986, France organised the first indoor competition at Vaulx en Velin in the suburbs of Lyon.

The international union for mountaineering associations, the UIAA, gave official recognition to the World Series circuit in 1988, and to the lead and speed climbing World Cup in 1989. Bouldering made its entry in a 1998 test, and was officially recognised the following year.

Competitions continued to multiply and flourish. Initially held out of doors, they are now always held on artificial structures.

The surge in artificial walls and structures was only just beginning. In France, the first artificial climbing walls made from wooden panels with removable holds appeared in the Isère region, at the La Mure lycée in 1985, and at HP’s works social club gym in Grenoble and the CREPS physical and sports education centre in Voiron in 1986.

Contacts

CONTACTS

INFOCÎMES: +33 (0) 4 50 47 24 61 Anne Gery: +33 (0)6 12 03 68 95 annegery@infocimes.com

Geneviève Cadot: +33 (0)6 700 823 38 genevieve@infocimes.com

ENTRE-PRISES SAS Hélène Baudrand

International marketing manager Entre-Prises SAS Mobile: +33(7) 85 03 46 74 / Email: hbaudrand@entre-prises.com