Passing of Madame Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manitou Group

PRESS RELEASE

Passing of Madame Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manitou Group

Ancenis, April 11, 2026 – It is with deep emotion and immense sadness that Manitou Group announces the passing of Madame Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of its Board of Directors, who passed away this day at the age of 82 years.

Jacqueline Himsworth's story is one of an extraordinary family destiny. She was only thirteen months old when her father died in 1944. It was through the example of her mother, Andrée Braud, who decided to single-handedly pursue her late husband's industrial project of manufacturing cranes and concrete mixers, that Jacqueline Himsworth drew her strength of character and determination.

A graduate of ESSCA business school in Angers (France), Jacqueline Himsworth led two careers simultaneously. On the one hand, she successfully managed the general direction of several companies, notably Braud Nutrition Animale in Ancenis, of which she remained the leading figure until its sale. On the other hand, she invested herself, alongside her brother, Marcel Braud, founder of the Manitou forklift, in the company Braud & Faucheux which became Manitou BF in 1981. A historical shareholder and administrator, she worked to elevate the family business to a worldwide reference. After divesting the Braud Nutrition Animale business, she chose to devote all her energy to the Board of Directors of Manitou Group, chairing numerous committees with vigilance and high standards.

In 2017, she took over as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manitou Group. She embodied a balanced governance, ensuring the preservation of the company’s DNA while combining technological innovation with a human-centric approach. With a long-term vision, she drove the transformations necessary for the group’s resilience and sustainability. As a forward-thinking leader, she worked to support the emergence of the next generation within the Board of Directors to prepare for the future, thereby ensuring the continuity of the family legacy and the strategic stability of the group.

"Jacqueline Himsworth carried within her this wisdom combined with absolute conviction," testifies Michel Denis, President & CEO. "She constantly reminded us that we could conquer the world without ever forgetting our values and our commitment to the men and women who make up the group today. Her vision, commitment, foresight, and kindness will remain at the heart of our culture. Jacqueline Himsworth passes away leaving a solid group, supported by a generational transition already actively engaged in the company's governance to ensure its sustainability."

The Board of Directors will meet in the coming days to implement initiatives that ensure the continuity of governance, faithful to the spirit of stability and transmission championed by Jacqueline Himsworth.

The 6,100 employees of Manitou Group join in the grief of her husband, her children, her family and loved ones.

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 6,100 talents worldwide with passion as their common driver.

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press contact: communication@manitou-group.com