Marine
Brunswick Adds HarrisKayot Pontoons, Runabouts and Deckboats to Boat Portfolio
LAKE FOREST, Ill., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brunswick
Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced today that it has acquired the HarrisKayot
boat company from Bentley Industries of Columbia, S.C. HarrisKayot , which
will remain based in Fort Wayne, Ind., will become part of the Brunswick Boat
Group's Freshwater Group of brands. In 2004, HarrisKayot had annual sales of
approximately $35 million. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
In business since 1946, HarrisKayot is a leading builder of quality
pontoons from 20 to 25 feet. It also makes fiberglass runabouts and deckboats
from 20 to 26 feet in length. The Harris brand will advance Brunswick's
presence in the pontoon category, a market segment among the fastest growing
in the boating industry, as well as complement Brunswick's entire product
portfolio with the premium Kayot runabout and deckboat product lines,
according to Dustan E. McCoy, president of the Brunswick Boat Group.
"Harris is widely recognized for producing some of the highest quality
pontoon boats in the industry," McCoy said. "A high-end product, Harris will
help us continue to fill out the white space by complementing our offerings in
the pontoon segment, enabling us to attract and satisfy a wider range of
boaters. In addition, the Kayot product line-up offers unique niche
opportunities in the runabout and deckboat segments."
"The company also shares Brunswick's passion for fine design, innovation
and fresh thinking," McCoy added. "For example, Harris developed the
'dolphin' nose tube, allowing a pontoon boat to slice effortlessly through the
water. Originated in 1959, today it is a standard within the industry."
McCoy said the current management team will remain in place at HarrisKayot , including a member of the Poiry family, which has been involved with
the company for several decades. James M. "Jimmy" Poiry has been appointed
president.
"As with other recent acquisitions, our initial focus will be on quickly
and effectively integrating these operations into the Brunswick Boat Group,"
McCoy said. "We will focus immediately on growing the business, solidifying
our dealer network and ensuring flawless quality and execution. We are
extremely pleased to welcome HarrisKayot to the Brunswick family."
About Brunswick
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to
instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including
Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and
inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron
electronic controls; Northstar marine electronics; Navman marine and GPS-based
products; IDS dealer management systems; Albemarle, Arvor, Baja, Bayliner,
Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, HarrisKayot , Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Maxum,
Meridian, Ornvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea
Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood
marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea and Kellogg marine parts and
accessories distributor; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness
equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products;
Brunswick billiards tables; and Valley-Dynamo pool, Air Hockey and foosball
tables. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com .
SOURCE: Brunswick Corporation
CONTACT: Dan Kubera, Director, Media Relations and Corporate
Communications, of Brunswick Corporation, +1-847-735-4617
Web site: http://www.brunswick.com
