Marine
Brunswick Acquires Valiant
LAKE FOREST, Ill., June 20, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Brunswick Corporation
(NYSE: BC) announced today that it had exercised its option to purchase the
remaining 51 percent of Supra-Industrial Textil, Lda. that it did not already
own. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Brunswick had purchased 49
percent of this manufacturer of the Valiant brand of rigid inflatable boats
(RIBs) in 1999.
"Under the leadership of our Brunswick European Group, we have been
executing a strategy to accelerate growth of our marine businesses in this
important region," commented Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
George W. Buckley. "Ownership of the Valiant brand will enable us to expand
distribution beyond the existing dealer network and is further evidence of our
commitment to offer our marine dealers the quality products that will help
them grow their businesses."
"The RIB market is one of the most popular and fastest growing segments in
boating," remarked Victoria J. Reich, president of the Brunswick European
Group. "Valiant brings to Brunswick a strong management team that has
delivered above-market growth, product innovation, manufacturing expertise and
a commitment to quality. As part of the BEG family, we will strive to build
on that record by expanding distribution and enhancing our product portfolio."
Valiant RIBs are manufactured in Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal. The
company has approximately 150 employees who produce approximately 3,500 RIBs
annually ranging from 2.4 to 12 meters in length. It will become part of the
Brunswick European Group.
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, 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 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
Dan Kubera, Director -- Public and Financial Relations, of Brunswick Corporation,
1-847-735-4617
http://www.prnewswire.com
