TBS means. 
The TBS brand name comes from "Terre Battue Synthétique" (synthetic clay court), which is a tennis comfortable court covering made of flexible polyurethane beads polymerised with polyurethane resine (in order to play longer with no pain while relieving back).
Of course, logically, there were also TBS tennis shoes produced. These are the first shoes manufactured by Technisynthèse using brand new design and PU processes, hence the leitmotiv : " L’IMAGINATION TECHNIQUE " The TBS logo. 
The TBS brand is still used both for coverings shoes.
But in order to get one single brand for footwear, garments and accessories, "20 dots" have been added to TBS.
Based on these 20 dots (20/20), being the best marks at French school representing "design", TBS is therfore "one excellence mark in design". Where does TBS come from. 
TBS is located in France in the Loire Valley, in a fashion area (around Cholet city), in the middle of the country and near the Atlantic where there are many French pleasure boat builders as well as yacht equipment manufacturers.
This is why TBS is so creative, so involved in fashion and skilled for "seaside" and yachting collections.The TBS world.
- Sport and leisure
- Yachting (regattas ans sailing)
- Seaside
- Sportswear and streewear
- Fashion Story and development of TBS : 1975.
TECHNISYNTHESE, which is the manufacturer of TBS goods, was set up in 1975.
At the beginning, Technisynthèse developed in 2 fields as regards synthetic products (particularly avant-garde polyurethane):
- Covering for sports grounds (especially for tennis courts);
- Manufacturing of soles made of polyurethane (high quantities linked to ladies footwear).
Technisynthèse has been improving using polyurethane: it is a top-of-the-range matter, very delicate to use and that requires high skills as regards human resources, technics and investment. 1978 : TBS started in the sports field.
Technisynthèse associated to the BAYER group developed and mastered the polyurethane injection (PU soles injected directly to shoes uppers). The it turned to manifacturing of sports and leisure shoes, especially for tennis that was a real seller's market. Tennis shoes were the first "TBS-branded" shoes.
At the same time, Technisynthèse combine its new technilogies (i.e. dual-density polyurethane injection) with avant-garde shapes as regards design.
TBS was the first sports shoe manufacturer to develop an orthopaedic concept as regards fitting (different if for ladies or men shoes), shoes incline, suspended arch support (V.P.S system of TBS) etc.
This brought a real revolution in sports footwear.
In addition, TBS was the first shoes manufacturer in tht world to put air cushions in the heels to absorb and release energy made by movements of the legs.1980 : Forced air - Inflatable systems.
TBS Invented the forced-air tennis shoes using Puls'air process making the feet being well ventilated while helping avoiding "athlete's foot" and blisters.
In the same year, TBS invented jogging shoes with inflatable and adjustable sole that everyone could see in every press reniew.
TBS had this very new idea well before famous sporting gear manufacturers in the USA. This new concept really strengthened TBS knowledge as regards health combined with sports. TBS has always being very careful about "biomechanics" when designing shoes. 1981 : TBS started exporting shoes to Europe and the USA.
Working-out of a brand new orthopaedic sole to be used in hospitals.
New TBS anti-slip coverings for racing boats (Paul RICARD - William SAURIN - ELF AQUITAINE - CREDIT AGRICOLE etc ...), pleasure boats, the navy and industry. 1982 : TBS shoes for ladies.
TBS knew there was a possible new market as regards shoes for ladies and created the first real "tennis shoes for ladies" (fitting especially made for ladies feet shape, fashion look).
Following this trend, TBS made ladies shoes in "fashionable colours". At this time, this was a real revolution. For ladies, shoes became something different from "smal men shies". There were more than 1.5 million pairs ot the famous "BRANDY" shoes sold ... and they are still being manufactured today! ... of course thanks to quality comfort and fashionable look ! 1983 : The "boat" revolution.
In addition to shoes manufacturing, TBS developed in the "anti-slip covering" for racing and yachting boats. After the "Paul RICARD" boat of Eric TABARLY, all the most famous racing boats of transatlantic races... and boats manufacturers too equipped with TBS anti)slip covering.
Think about combining both activites, TBS had a new idea: boat shoes completely different from those already existing and from American ones (best sellers at this time).
TBS made full use of its concept and developed softness with new sole shape patented as regards anti-slip protected as regards design. Thick and flexible leathers together made very comfortable shoes. TBS also added many new colours that made TBS deck shoes very different from other brands.
This was the new TBS deck shoe called "YOLE made following technical advice of racing catamaran skipper Pierre FOLLENFANT and signed by him. He made TBS known over all oceans 1984 - TBS clothing.
To become a real fashion and sportswear brand from Cholet area (French shoes and garments manufacturing area); TBS developed garments collections to tennis and yachting fields.
Tracksuits made of "Sitel" fabrics had a great success thanks to this new material and nice pastel coulors.
As regards individual sports, TBS also made golf shoes in addition to its tennis and deck shoes. 1985 : More shoes produced thanks to "YOLE"
First, the " YOLE " boat shoe was a technical product then it became a real fashion product worn by everyone as a leisure/fashion shoe.
In the same time, TBS developed its garments collections making them more sportswear, middle of the range and coordinated with shoes and accessories. 1986 : Very good year for TBS development.
There were more than 300 000 pairs of YOLE produced in the year!
Best results even seen!
TBS also developed its export and became the leading deck shoes manufacturer in Europe (there were more than 1.5 million pairs of Yole shoes produced!). 1987 : TBS and the leisure shoes.
TBS and best french ladies skipper Florence ARTHAUD agreed to develop, together, yeachting and sportswear collections for ladies.
TBS and WORKER’S in Italy signed a license agreement. 1988
TBS developed a line of shoes for "sea side" called Les Marinières, signed by Florence ARTHAUD, and a streetwear collection for teenagers called Brooklyn shoes.
This was a great succes even outside Europe. TBS and MITSUI and ACHILLES in Japan signed a license agreement.
Italy and Japan sold out 100.000 pairs/year each of TBS shoes whereas TBS agent in Taïwan made an advertising campaign with ... Michael JACKSON ! 1989 : The "GLOBE" phenomenon.
The TBS shoes YOLE knew a huge success and to assert its leading position as regards yachting shoes, TBS made a brand new elaborate deck shoe on coming "VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE 1989-1990".
TBS also sponsored, together with the French Region Charente, brand new 60' open boats especially made for single handed race around the world.
The racing boat "CHARENTE MARITIM - TBS" was skipped by PIERRE FOLLENFANT who also was participating actively into designing the new TBS deck shoes "GLOBE".
There were more than 1.5 million pairs of "GLOBE" shoes produced! And this successful model continues its career with up dated fashion colours.
The GLOBE shoes were the most original and distinctive shoes made by TBS.
To diversify its collections, TBS made a trekking shoes line signed by "Jacques LANZMANN". Writer, journalist and globe trotter, he crossed the Takla-Makan desert in China. Wearing TBS shoes!"
Le bateau de course " CHARENTE MARITIME - TBS " sera skippé par Pierre FOLLENFANT qui participera activement à l’élaboration du nouveau modèle " GLOBE " et qui portera de nouveau sa signature.
Le modèle " GLOBE " a déjà été fabriqué à plus de 1.500.000 paires et continue sa belle carrière ! C’est le modèle le plus original et le plus distinctif fabriqué par TBS.
First "VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE" in november 1989. "CHARENTE MARITIME - TBS" made a very good race stard but its rudder blade was damaged off la Coruña. 1990 : Florence Arthaud, woman of the year.
Pierre FOLLENFANT made a good race despite his damaged rudder blade and got the 5th place in the 1st VENDEE GLOBE CHALLENGE around the world race.
Florence ARTHAUD, who was still under contract with TBS, signed a new line of deck shoes especially designed for women. Florence beat the "Atlantic record", won the " Route du Rhum " and became " Woman of the year 1990 ".
TBS hit the jackpot and made exceptional sales of "Marinières" and deck shoes. 1992 : ODK
Olivier DE KERSAUSON signed a new line of TBS leisure shoes with funny soles. 1994 : Isabelle Autissier, new representative of TBS brand.
Isabelle Autissier, holder of " NEW-YORK – SAN FRANCISCO PAR LE CAP HORN " record, signed an agreement with TBS to develop deck shoes for women. 1996 : TBS signed a partnership agreement with Michel Desjoyeaux.
Michel became the TBS racing boat skipper (FIGARO-BENETEAU) and was the France single-handed race champion on TBS boat. 1997 : TBS opened its first TBS shop in Paris, rue de la Pépinière.
The TBS " total look " was really shown in this first shop.
ANTOINE (french singer) became TBS club member and signes a leisure collection called " Il était une fois...".
Sidney GAVIGNET joined the TBS skippers team composed of MICH’DEJ’, Isabelle AUTISSIER, Pierre FOLLENFANT et Alain FEDENSIEU. 1998 : TBS won the Figaro single handed race.
Michel DESJOYEAUX had an excellent racing season on TBS and won the FIGARO race and the French single-handed race championship.
"Dame Award" METS Amsterdam
TBS made a new line of yachting shoes that won the " Dame Award " at METS internation fair in Amsterdam.
Mich’Dej’ became the TBS technical adviser for developping new "Planète Mer" clothing collections especially made for yachting.. 1999 : More TBS in the shops.
To assert its "look total" ans highlight its coordinate colours combinations, TBS set up TBS corners by its best customers.
As regards sports, Isabelle AUTISSIER, following her 2nd shipwreck during the race around the world " AROUND ALONE ", decided to stpo her single-handed race sailor career.
Michel DESJOYEAUX took her place by P.R.B racing boat and became skipper with the VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE 2000 in mind.
TBS became sponsor of European circuit of " BENETEAU 25 ".
TBS started a co-operation with Ellen MC ARTHUR to boost its sales in the UK area.. 2000 : TBS opened its 2nd TBS shop in La TRINITE-SUR-MER in Brittany
Sea side is very important and TBS decided to set up a new TBS shop in la Trinité sur Mer, which is the yachting Mecca on Atlantic coast. There were many yachting events taking place during year 2000 and TBS participed into the " TOUR DE FRANCE A LA VOILE " with a boat called " MARSEILLE - TBS " skipped by Alain FEDENSIEU, several times winner of this yacht race. There was also the VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE 2000 and TBS was co-sponsor of P.R.B. racing boat to support Mich’Dej’. 2001 : Mich’Desj’ won the VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE 2000/2001.
Michel DESJOYEAUX, wearing TBS gear, won the " VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE ". He became the first sailor to go around the world alone in less than 100 days.
To thank its star skipper, TBS designed a brand new yachting shoe called " SEALIN, the shoe that walks on sea... ".
TBS opened its 3rd TBS shop in Angers.. 2002 : Everything's fine on the TBS Planet.
Ellen MC ARTHUR, the young English sailor, second after Michel DESJOYEAUX in the VENDEE-GLOBE CHALLENGE 2000/2001, joined the TBS team.
Immediate jackpot in the " ROUTE DU RHUM " transat race: Mich’Dej’ won in multihulls category, Ellen Mc Arthur won in monohulls category !!!...
Good partners, increasing turnover, successful collections, opening of the 4th TBS shop in Toulouse… " Everything's fine on the TBS planet ".
This was the slogan of the new TBS advertising campaign with Michel DESJOYEAUX confident in front of the sea.
New talented young sailors coming for FIGARO circuit joined the TBS team. . 2003 : More TBS shop.
After Paris, La Trinité, Angers and Toulouse, TBS opened 2 new shops in Nantes and Le Crouesty (port of the Atlantic coast).
In August, the most famous members of the TBS team carried off the " LA SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO " podium :
Armel LE CLEAC’H mounted the first step whereas MIch’Dej’ got the 3rd place. 2004 : TBS, partner of the most beautiful single-handed race victories.
SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO, VENDEE GLOBE, ROUTE DU RHUM… in June 2004 : Michel DESJOYEAUX got the most beautiful world single-handed race victories.
In August, TBS celebrated its 25 years in the FIGARO circuit and sponsored Armel LE CLEAC’H (4th place in the Figaro single-handed race).
In September, TBS opened its 7th shop (and its 2nd shop in Paris) in the busy shopping street " rue de Rennes ". 2006 : TBS opened its 8th shop in Bordeaux.
At the beginning of June, TBS opened its 8th shops in the famous shopping street of Bordeaux called the "rue Sainte Catherine".
As regards sports, Michel Desjoyeaux got the 2nd place of the Multi Cup 60’ and the 4th place during the 8th Route du Rhum.
He is now preparing the next Vendée Globe 2008 with the building of a new monohull. Armel Le Cléac’h has almost the same project building his new generation 60’ monohull since October.
Part of his 2006' season, Armel participated into the 8th Transat AG2R (Double-handed transat), the " Solitaire " and the mythical " Route du Rhum " (his first single-handed transatlantic race) and got the 4th place (best result of old generation boats). 2007 : New TBS shops and Mich'Desj' victories.
During the year 2006, the ERAM Group transformed most of the TANEO shops into TEXTO shops.
During spring 2007, TBS bought 7 ex-TANEO shops to develop and then reached 15 exclusive outlets.
Here below the shops opening dates in each city:
- Le 3/03/07 : Les Sables d’Olonne (city where Vendée Globe race starts and ends)
- Le 10/03/07 : Hyères - Le 31/03/07 : Montpellier
- Le 24/03/07 : La Rochelle
- Le 21/04/07 : Metz
- Le 28/04//07 : Reims
- Le 28/04/07 : Rouen
The concept de The TBS "total look" concept, through new TBS shops and TBS corners opening, in France and abroad, is a key point to make TBS successful for the coming years.
At the end of 2007, TBS opened an outlet at Marques Avenue in Troyes.
As regards sporting news from Michel Desjoyeaux, 2007 was a rich year: launching of his 60’ FONCIA monohull at the end of May, successive team victories (double or single handed): Trophée SNSM, Clairefontaine, Solitaire du Figaro and Transat Jacques-Vabre.
Mich’Desj’ was elected sailor of the year 2007 and started the year 2008 with much motivation, concentrating on Vendée Globe in next November. 2008 : TBS and Mich'Desj': an innovative communication!
TBS and his famous sailor Michel Desjoyeaux carry out an original and funny advertising campaign based on the sailing preparation of Michel for the VENDEE GLOBE CHALLENGE, the single-handed race around the world, without call or assistance. This five-point advertising campaign was published in magazines in the very last weeks before the race start.
D-57 Michel Desjoyeaux is calculating winds
D-43 Michel Desjoyeaux is training to hoist the mainsail
D-29 Michel Desjoyeaux is practising breath
D-15 Michel Desjoyeaux is braving the elements
D-1 Michel Desjoyeaux is concentrating on his objective 2009 : double victory for TBS in the VENDEE GLOBE CHALLENGE!
With two sailors in the 30 competitors who took part into the race, TBS achieved an extraordinary double victory.Poster TBS Michel Desjoyeaux victoire Vendée globe 2000-2001 Poster TBS Armel Le Cléac'h 2e place Vendée Globe 2000-2001
Michel Desjoyeaux won this historic race despite a start postponed because of damage. He crushed the other competitors got up with the leaders in a record time… and arrived at the first place one week earlier in Les Sables d’Olonne!
Armel Le Cleac’h got a good 2nd place as a freshman of this very difficult Challenge race! What an extraordinary feat! 
