Mergers, expansions and takeovers feature this week - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 27 Apr 2023 15:00 PDT
Bar Crusher 730HT © AMC Boats
Mergers, expansions and takeovers feature this week. But firstly, boat show updates.
And fishos will not be out numbered at Sanctuary Cove next month. From a $10,000 fishing tournament, to the latest in fishing products, to catch and cook demonstrations with fishing expert Paul Burt, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has something for every angler. Fishing enthusiasts will be hooked from May 25 to 28, with the launch of a host of new fishing products, and a huge line up of fishing-focused events and entertainment.
AMC Boats will showcase a complete premium range of fishing and leisure trailerable boats with brands such as Aquamaster, Bar Crusher, Baysport and Edencraft, as well as premium USA brands, Contender and Tidewater. In amongst their line-up, AMC will introduce the Bar Crusher 730HT, a bullet proof offshore fishing weapon for hardcore anglers who want to push the boundaries. "All our brands are well known and respected within our market, known for their exceptional performance, build quality and resale value," says Rod Elliott, dealer principal at AMC Boats.
Taking place later this year, the Sydney International Boat Show is currently taking exhibitor bookings. More unique and innovative exhibitors are confirmed for Australia's premier recreational boating lifestyle event, set to run from the 3 to 6 August at the International Convention Centre and Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. So far more than 1000 boating and marine brands displayed by more than 250 exhibitors from across the globe are expected to descend on the ICC and purpose-built marina.
Exhibitors from both government and industry will thrill visitors with a love of fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, sailing, luxury cruising or just paddling around Australia's splendid waterways. The roster of boat show favourites continues with names like: Boating & RV, Chapman Marine Group, Dockpro, eYachts, Fleming Yachts, GRE Marine, Mercury Marine, PowerDive, Pantaenius, and TMG Yachts joining a spectacular and highly anticipated line-up of exhibitors at this year's Show.
Highfield Boats, the world's leading manufacturer of aluminium hulled inflatable boats, has appointed Sydney boat retailer Marineco to represent their brand in Sydney south and southern New South Wales, and Northside Marine at Boondall in Brisbane. With growth globally and upwards of 80 percent growth in the Australian market, Highfield has chosen these two established dealerships to further develop their brand in Australia's largest boating market, helping to service Highfield clients and welcome new owners to the Highfield brand.
Marineco, headed by Ben Pugh and Michael Blanch, have built Sydney's leading inflatable boat dealership, and are ideally suited to represent the Highfield brand. Their dealerships are strategically located in the Taren Point boating hub, perfectly suited to assist clients on Sydney Harbour and Sydney's southern waterways.
SailGP, one of the world's fastest-growing sports properties, today announced a multi-year renewal agreement with IMG, a leader in sports, events and media, to continue as the racing league's global agency of record and drive the future growth of the property. IMG will focus on expanding SailGP's global media rights distribution - working alongside SailGP's in-house team - and developing new commercial partnerships for the league, its participating teams and events, as well as providing strategic support and assistance to SailGP's commercial team.
The company will continue to shape SailGP's long-term growth ambitions utilising the full range of services across the IMG network, as well as supporting SailGP's commitment to championing a world powered by nature through transformational purpose-led partnerships.
Intellian Technologies Inc, a global provider of feature-rich, resilient satellite communication solutions, has announced the expansion of its Singapore office. As Intellian's APAC Headquarters and Logistics Centre, the expansion further supports regional customers and gives Intellian the opportunity to host key partners and conduct training for installation engineers.
Relocating to a larger development, the new facility is double the size of the previous office. An array of antennas for land, maritime and government sectors have been installed for regional network testing and hands-on training, giving partners unparalleled access to Intellian's evolving product range. Onsite facilities and a nearby warehouse allow for fast and cost-effective product delivery to the APAC market, enabling Intellian to offer best-in-class service to partners across all industries.
Diversified financial services firm, MA Financial, has entered into an agreement to acquire the d'Albora marina portfolio for a headline price of $225 million from fellow diversified financial services firm, Balmain Corporation. d'Albora is Australia's largest marina network consisting of ten premium marinas located across Australia's eastern seaboard, including the iconic Rushcutters Bay, The Spit and Cabarita Point in Sydney Harbour, two marinas adjacent to the Melbourne CBD, and management rights of the Port of Airlie marina at the gateway to the Whitsundays.
Collectively, the marinas can accommodate more than 2,700 vessels and are supported by a range of marine services, leisure, and tourist businesses on site. Accompanying the acquisition, MA Financial will launch the MA Marina Fund, a closed-ended fund offering exposure to all ten marinas, which is expected to attract significant investor interest from domestic and international markets seeking exposure to defensive, cash-generative assets largely uncorrelated to other asset classes. Balmain will participate in the Fund as a cornerstone investor with an initial interest of 30%.
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) is pleased to announce The Jetty Specialist has elevated its support of the marina industry by becoming a Silver Sponsor of the MIA. A family-owned and operated business based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, for more than three decades, The Jetty Specialist has constructed high quality marine structures including pontoons, piles, jetties, footbridges, marinas and boardwalks. Operating nationally, The Jetty Specialist is a trusted business in the commercial and residential marina sector, offering a huge range of products and design solutions that can be easily adapted to project-specific requirements.
MIA CEO Suzanne Davies said marina builders like The Jetty Specialist are the backbone of the marina industry. "The MIA, and the broader industry, enjoy very generous support from marina builders with most of the major players actively involved in supporting the MIA's work. After coming on board as a Bronze Sponsor, it is great to see them lift their commitment to provide further support for the industry."
The first X-Yachts Xc47 hull has arrived at the X-Yachts yard. Two weeks ago, the production team in Poland finished the first the hull at the moulding facilities and it was trucked to Haderslev, Denmark, last week and has been moved into the X-Yachts production facilities at the yard. The first Xc 47 now enters the second production phase, where the hull will be fitted with handcrafted interior and exterior over the coming weeks. In the European autumn it will be launched at the harbour in Haderslev.
Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes will welcome a new 6.8 metre Gray's Marine and Welding CNC plate vessel later this year which will help keep people safe on Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Dam. The new rescue boat will have a full Raymarine suite, be powered by twin Suzuki 140hp engines and replace the existing AL 20 Sailfish Cat vessel. Virtual testing has commenced on the new Alpine Lakes 20 boat and Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin recently visited Gray's Marine and Welding on the NSW North Coast for a build update.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com