Big Rock Sports agreed to purchase Southern Marine. Southern Marine was founded in Little Rock, AR, in 1997 and today serves as a distributor for 120 manufacturers. Headquartered in Little Rock with facilities in Birmingham, AL, Charlotte, NC, and Denton, TX, Southern Marine distributes parts to marinas, marine dealers and marine repair centers.
“This partnership will greatly expand Big Rock Sports and Southern Marine's product and service offering to our respective customers,” stated Ed Small, Chief Executive Officer of Big Rock Sports. “Acquiring Southern Marine will strengthen the presence of Big Rock Sports in the marine distribution category and allow us to better serve outdoor retailers throughout North America.”
Southern Marine was founded in Little Rock, AR in 1997 and today serves as a distributor for 120 manufacturers. Headquartered in Little Rock, with facilities in Birmingham, AL, Charlotte, NC and Denton, TX, Southern Marine distributes parts to marinas, marine dealers and marine repair centers. The company also offers house brands, including Boater Sports, Redline Engine Parts, PreTech Steering, WOW Watersports, Fuzion X Watersports and Buster Boats.
“We are excited about the growth and expansion that will take place and being part of a much larger organization. We look forward to the opportunity that this type of move will present,” said Rick Willis, President of Southern Marine. “It”s a win-win situation for the companies, for the dealers and for all the manufacturers as well.”
Willis and his team will remain with the company after the acquisition is finalized.
Big Rock Sports was assisted by Bellmark Partners in Cleveland, Ohio and expects the transaction to close within the next few months, subject to customary closing conditions.
Big Rock Sports, LLC is an outdoor sports wholesaler, service provider and business partner to the retail market. Big Rock Sports is international in scope, regional in focus and local in relationships. Big Rock services over 15,000 retailers internationally with a direct sales force that represents over 1,200 manufacturers.
