Graham Clarke Group acquires Oak Bay Marine Group, expanding its British Columbia Marine presence
by Greg Descantes 16 Jan 2025 07:57 PST
Graham Clarke, owner of Graham Clarke Group, left, & Brook Castelsky, CEO of Oak Bay Marine Group, were at Oak Bay Marina Monday to announce the acquisition of OBMG by Graham Clarke Group, a leader in British Columbia's marine and hospitality industry © Oak Bay Marine Group
Graham Clarke Group (GCG), a leader in British Columbia's marine and hospitality industry, is pleased to announce it has acquired Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG), a company with a celebrated 62-year legacy in coastal marina services and oceanfront hospitality. The acquisition of OBMG includes its four Vancouver Island marinas (Oak Bay Marina, North Saanich Marina, Ladysmith Marina and Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina), along with OBMG Boathouses and the Marina Dockside Eatery.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for GCG as it solidifies its position as a premier marine operator in British Columbia, while preserving the rich heritage and community contributions of OBMG. GCG also owns Harbour Cruises (a renowned 113-year-old Vancouver marine tourism and hospitality attraction), Coal Harbour Marina (Vancouver's premiere marina), Western Pacific Marine (BC-based ferry operator and ship builder), and the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre.
"For me, this is deeply personal," said Graham Clarke, owner of Graham Clarke Group. "I grew up in Oak Bay and have always admired the legacy of Oak Bay Marine Group. This acquisition is more than an expansion; it's about honouring a business that has meant so much to the community. Our goal is to preserve what makes OBMG special while building exciting new opportunities for the future."
GCG is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for OBMG's customers, employees and partners while maintaining the high standards the company is known for.
Brook Castelsky, CEO of Oak Bay Marine Group, reflected on the alignment between the two companies. "When Bob Wright founded OBMG, his vision was to connect people with the beauty of our coastal environment and create unforgettable experiences on the water. Graham Clarke Group shares that same vision. This partnership ensures OBMG's legacy will carry on while we continue to serve the communities and customers who have supported us over the years."
With this acquisition, GCG continues its growth as a trusted name in marine tourism and hospitality. Known for its innovative approach to marina operations, tourism and sustainable marine transportation, Harbour Cruises is ideally positioned to blend the best of both organizations for an even brighter future.
Burkett & Co. served as financial advisor to the Oak Bay Marine Group.