LEADING French tackle and bait manufacturer Sensas has a new boss after chairman and managing director Philippe Bonnet announced his retirement.

Philippe has decided, after 40 years in the industry, that it is time to stand down and he will be replaced in both positions by Hugues Nello, once of French reel manufacturer Mitchell.

It is understood that Sensas, based in Fontenay-sur-eure near Chartres, has been valued at around 23.5 million euros for the purposes of the agreement.

Hugues is well-known to the fishing tackle trade. In addition to serving 10 years with Mitchell, he and the financial group backing him tried unsuccessfully last year to buy out Browning Zebco in Germany.

The Bonnet family will still retain a major interest in the Sensas organisation with Philippe’s brother Denis taking on the role of general manager while son Frédéric, well-respected angler and commercial director Jean Desque and its team of representatives will continue to serve new and existing customers.

Trev Tomolin, who handles Sensas in the UK, said: “I am very pleased that Mr Nello has come to the position with some years of experience within the trade. He greatly appreciates the success we had with Sensas and Crazy Bait within England and I look forward to working closely with him for the further expansion here in England and across Europe.”

The company began life more than 100 years ago as a major refiner of specialised oil products from seeds but it was almost 40 years ago that it switched emphasis to the preparation of fishing bait ingredients.

Philippe added: “After a pleasurable 40 years building the Sensas business – and a close relationship with many of our customers – the moment has come for me to retire.

“Hugues Nello has an experienced background in the fishing business and I am confident he will take Sensas to new heights in the future.”

* Tackle and Guns