Marine Connection acquires majority stake in Boaters Exchange

Marine Connection has acquired the majority interest in Boaters Exchange, a 20-year retail dealership with two Central Florida locations including Rockledge and New Smyrna Beach.

As of January 1 2022, Florida-based Marine Connection now owns and controls 80 per cent ownership of Boaters Exchange, with 20 per cent split between former partners and co-owners Jerry Butz and Paul Berube, both of whom remain onboard to manage operations of the $30M retail dealership and its 42 employees.

“We have been focused to expand our Florida footprint in Central Florida because of its tremendous growth potential,” says Marine Connection co-owner Danny Goldenberg. “We have been very strategic and selective in this effort and are extremely pleased to have acquired an outstanding dealership organisation with an impeccable reputation and strong management team in place.”

The acquisition brings Marine Connection to nine Florida locations, now with more than 100 employees and over US$100m in sales.

“We believe there are many distinctive advantages and benefits to this acquisition and expansion, both for our customers as well as for our team,” says Marine Connection co-owner John Kutuk.

“Our customers statewide enjoy the benefit and resources of working with a top sales and service organisation, with locations from Key West to the Central Florida and Daytona Beach area, with plans for continued future expansion into northern Florida. In addition, the Boaters Exchange team brings strong leadership to our organisation, along with a wealth of experience in specific market segments including pontoons and jetboats.”

Boaters Exchange will retain its brand name due to strong customer awareness in the marketplace.

“We are also very excited to combine forces with a strong, well-respected dealership like Marine Connection to take Boaters Exchange to the next level while serving a wider range of customers in Central Florida,” adds Boaters Exchange founder Jerry Butz.