Malibu Boats Acquires Pursuit Boats from S2 Yachts

Permira Acquires Majority Stake in Boats Group from Apax Partners

December 29, 2020

E-Commerce

A company backed by the Permira funds has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Boats Group from funds advised by Apax Partners. Boats Group, a Miami-based online classifieds marketplace and technology provider for the recreational marine industry (brands include YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com), will partner with Permira to expand internationally and develop new products and services; financial terms were not disclosed.

Century Boats Acquires Vanquish Boats

April 23, 2020

Manufacturing

Century Boats has acquired luxury boatmaker Vanquish Boats and will reintroduce the line under the Century Coronado name. Production will be moved to Century’s main facility in Zephyrhills, Florida; Vanquish owner Morgan Huntley will remain on staff as Chief Operating Officer to lead production and product development. The deal expands Century’s model portfolio, dealer distribution and service network.

Sorfam Capital Acquires Century Boats (All Craft Marine)

March 15, 2020

Manufacturing

Private equity firm Sorfam Capital acquired Century Boats' parent company, All Craft Marine, in mid-March 2020 and will continue operations at the company's Zephyrhills, Florida headquarters. Sorfam — led by Managing Partner Lloyd R. "Skip" Sorenson — plans to invest in product refreshes, marketing, dealer network expansion and new leadership to grow the historic boatbuilder.

Marine Connection Acquires Majority Interest in Boaters Exchange

January 1, 2022

Retail

Marine Connection acquired an 80% majority interest in Boaters Exchange, a 20-year retail boat dealership operating two Central Florida locations (Rockledge and New Smyrna Beach). The founders and former partners Jerry Butz and Paul Berube retain a combined 20% and remain in management; Boaters Exchange operates with approximately $30M in sales and 42 employees, and the deal expands Marine Connection to nine Florida locations and $100M+ in sales.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Acquires Bennett Marine, Inc.

July 18, 2017

Manufacturing

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. announced the acquisition of Bennett Marine, Inc., a Florida-based manufacturer of hydraulic and electric trim tab systems. Bennett Marine will be integrated into Yamaha's newly created subsidiary, Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc., to broaden Yamaha's marine product offerings and improve systems integration for boat builders and dealers.

Saronic Acquires Gulf Craft to Accelerate Autonomous Shipbuilding

April 16, 2025

Manufacturing

Saronic acquired Gulf Craft, a Louisiana-based shipbuilder, to establish a prototyping and production hub for its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) program, beginning with the 150-foot ASV "Marauder." The deal gives Saronic nearly 100 acres in Franklin, Louisiana, retains Gulf Craft's workforce, and includes a planned $250 million investment in yard upgrades and capacity to scale production (with plans to add 500+ jobs over the next 3–4 years).