Draft:EP Climbing

An ABEO Group company, EP Climbing (formerly Entre-Prises) design, manufacture and install climbing walls, climbing holds, volumes and mats. Every installation is designed and installed in compliance with current safety standards (EN 12572). The head office is in Sainte-Hélène-du-Lac, France with sales offices in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, UK, North America and Asia.

1982–1995
In 1983, French engineer and climber, François Savigny, invented the first changeable climbing hold. In 1984, these climbing holds, made from fiber reinforced resin concrete to create a rock-like texture, were introduced to the market through retailer Au vieux campeur. In 1985 François Savigny founded Entre-Prises France and a year later (1986) developed the first climbing panel, enabling climbers to train indoors.

The first official indoor climbing competition took place in Vaulx-en-Velin, France, in 1986 using Entre-Prises Climbing holds.

In 1987, an American company attempted to replicate François Savigny's climbing holds. François Savigny proposed a partnership, leading to the establishment of Entre-Prises USA as a joint venture in 1988. Over time, Entre-Prises USA gained full control of its operations in the United States.

In 1989, the first climbing World Cup was hosted in Leeds (UK) with round one taking place on an Entre-Prises Artificial Climbing Structure (ACS).

The following year, Entre-Prises went on to create the first three dimensionally curved and interchangeable climbing wall panel, enabling the layout of the wall to be changed.

For the 1993 Olympic Games, Entre-Prises created a fully articulated ACS in Lillehammer (Norway) in the Olympic Games stadium.

Entre-Prises continued to expand in 1995 with new operations in the United Kingdom and Germany and went on to invent Explosion-proof system (EPS) technology.

2002–2006
In 2002, Entre-Prises became part of the French sports group, ABEO.

Entre-Prises established a state-of-the-art manufacturing centre in China.

During this period, Entre-Prises continued to advance climbing equipment, introducing MozaiK technology, a modular climbing wall system that enables the creation of customised three-dimensional wall designs to offer climbers a more dynamic and personalised climbing experience.

In 2005, A new form of fun climbing wall concept known as Clip 'n Climb is introduced to the market. A concept that aims to make climbing more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, regardless of age or skill level, acquired by Entre-Prises in 2012.

In 2006, Entre-Prises entered into an official partnership with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC).

2015–today
Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018: Entre-Prises was selected as the supplier of climbing walls for the Youth Olympic Games held in Buenos Aires in 2018.

Entre-Prises earned recognition as the official supplier of climbing walls for various competitions, including the IFSC World Cup, World Games in Birmingham, and the IFSC World Championships in Bern. In 2020, Entre-Prises changed their name in 2020 to EP Climbing. That year the company was the official supplier of climbing walls the first-ever Sport Climbing events at the Olympic Games held in Tokyo in 2020. EP Climbing is also designated as the official supplier for climbing walls at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

As of 2023, the company operates through four hubs: EP Climbing UK, EP Climbing USA, EP Climbing EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and EP Climbing Asia. It has sales offices in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, and China and distributes to more than 30 countries. The company has five production sites located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Cannice in China, France, and ACEP in Spain, which hold certifications for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.