Nautical Group Holdings acquires assets of YakGear Inc

YakGear Inc. (YakGear), a Houston, Texas-based corporation established in 2007, is a distributor of kayak equipment, paddle sports and marine mounting accessories in North America. It has been the exclusive distribution partner of Railblaza products for nine years in the USA, as well as selling its own YakGear branded products and other water sports brands. YakGear sells and distributes Railblaza products to major US retailers such as big-box giants Academy Sports and Bass Pro, marine wholesale channels as well as directly to consumers via e-commerce channels including Amazon and the Railblaza USA website.

The transaction sees NGH acquiring all assets of YakGear that relate to Railblaza distribution, including associated stock and direct to consumer (DTC) accounts. Railblaza USA Inc. (Railblaza USA) will operate as a 100% owned subsidiary of NGH from Houston, Texas, managing all Railblaza operations and sales distribution to the North American market.

Commenting on the transaction, CEO of NGH Marc Michel said, "Our thanks to the YakGear team who have done an amazing job of establishing and growing Railblaza in the US market. This is a strategic acquisition to accelerate our momentum in the US market and put in place a focused Railblaza team."

"This transaction enhances the long-term positioning of Railblaza and strengthens our ability to drive closer to US distribution channels, particularly in terms of our Direct-to-Consumer channel where sales have grown in line with brand presence in the USA and other markets. The ability to own and drive this channel and to develop a consistent, targeted approach to e-commerce will allow Railblaza to get closer to its end-user customers, and ultimately accelerate sales."

The remaining assets of YakGear have been acquired by TH Marine, a division of OneWater (NASDAQ: ONEW). TH Marine has grown to be one of the largest suppliers of marine parts and accessories in the United States. As part of a new distribution agreement, TH Marine will distribute Railblaza products to the OEM, big box and wholesale channels in close collaboration with Railblaza.

Andrew Moczygemba, current COO of YakGear, has been appointed President of Railblaza USA and will be responsible for leading the US team and ensuring the continued growth and success of the Railblaza brand in the North American market.

Railblaza sells via a well-established distributor network of 40+ distributors in 48 countries, sales are generated through retailers, sales to OEM boat builders' operations and a growing ecommerce channel.