PASSING OF MARCEL BRAUD THE HANDLING INDUSTRY LOST AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER

PRESS RELEASE

PASSING OF MARCEL BRAUD
THE HANDLING INDUSTRY LOST AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER

Ancenis, February 4, 2026 — It is with profound emotion and immense sadness that Manitou Group announces the passing of Marcel Braud, Honorary Chairman and Founder of the Manitou forklift truck, who passed away this Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 93.

Driven by a passion for innovation, industry, dealers network and the group's products—serving as Chairman until 2017—Marcel Braud transformed a family business into a global benchmark for material handling, aerial work platforms, and earthmoving equipment.

The life of Marcel Braud is a story of a destiny tied to the land and to ingenuity. Fatherless at the age of 13, he joined the family business, BRAUD MÉCANIQUE GÉNÉRALE, at the request and by the side of his mother, Andrée Braud, following World War II. Starting as a laborer, then a painter, welder, assembler, and foreman, Marcel Braud held and mastered every production role within the company. In 1958, he imagined the improbable: inverting the layout of a farm tractor to add a lifting mast and power steering. The "Manitou" was born. This simple yet revolutionary idea would travel the globe, transforming construction sites, farms & industrial market forever.

Marcel Braud went on to hold various positions within the company, notably Workshop Manager and Purchasing Manager, before becoming Chairman and CEO in 1970, and subsequently Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2017.

Under his leadership, the group expanded beyond French borders to export worldwide, went public, continued to innovate relentlessly, and built a robust dealer network that, now more than ever, represents the company’s core strength. An insatiable man of the field, he continued to regularly visit the group's factories and international trade shows through early 2026 to stay in contact with customers and employees. Until his final breath, he embodied the passion, ingenuity, and resilience that define the soul of the group.

Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manitou Group, stated: "My brother dedicated his life to Manitou Group. Thanks to him, our small family business became an international leader, recognized for its products, values, and innovation. He was a passionate man who shared his energy and pride in belonging to our group with everyone. He possessed that rare genius for anticipating the needs of professionals. We are losing a visionary, but his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide our course. Marcel-Claude Braud, Sébastien Braud, and Emilie Braud, Board members of Manitou Group, join me in sharing our profound grief."

Michel Denis, President & CEO, added: "Marcel Braud was an extraordinary man and entrepreneur. Throughout the decades spent at the head of the group, he created exceptional products, experiences, and solutions with pride and perseverance, and in doing so, contributed significantly to changing the daily lives of millions of professionals in construction, agriculture, and industry. It is to him that we owe the 'big family' culture that continues to inspire our teams around the world today. The management team and all 6,000 employees join in the grief of his family and loved ones."

Manitou Group extends its most sincere condolences to his wife, his children, and the entire Braud family.

As a world reference in the handling, aerial work platform and earth moving sectors, Manitou Group’s mission is to improve working conditions, safety and performance around the world, while protecting people and their environment. Through its flagship brands – Manitou and Gehl – the group designs, produces, distributes and services equipment for construction, agriculture and industry. By placing innovation at the heart of its development, Manitou Group constantly seeks to bring value to all its stakeholders. Through the expertise of its network of 800 dealers, the group works more closely with its customers every day. Staying true to its roots, with its headquarters located in France, Manitou Group turned over €2.6 billion in 2025. It unites 6,000 talents worldwide with passion as their common driver.

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press contact: communication@manitou-group.com