Kwik Tek Inc., the Denver-based manufacturer of Airhead and Sportsstuff watersports products, has acquired Synergy Sportz, which manufactures Yukon Charlie’s and Sherpa snow shoes and trekking poles as well as Slip Nots winter traction devices.
“This acquisition will accelerate Kwik Tek’s growth in the winter sports market,” said Kwik Tek CEO Aaron Kramer.
Executives from both companies said being able to provide recreational products for both the summer and winter seasons will strengthen relationships with key retailers over the long run.
Kwik Tek will display Yukon Charlie’s trekking poles at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in August and the SIA Snow Show next January in Denver, while Yukon Charlie will exhibit the Airhead and Sportsstuff brands at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market next January. Yukon Charlie’s will also be represented at buying group shows such as NBS, Sports Inc., Worldwide and Play it Again Sports by Kwik Tek.
Dan Roy, who co-founded Synergy Sportz, has taken the role of vice president of winter sports at the combined company. His partner and co-founder Bill LaPierre is serving as sales manager for both Kwik Tec and Synergy Sportz. Yukon Charlie’s products are sold across all retail channels with wholesale club, full-line sporting goods and specialty retailers accounting for most of its sales, according to Roy.
Kwik Tek sells inflatable tubes, wakeboards, kneeboards, tow ropes, water skis and other accessories under its Airhead and Sportsstuff brands. It also makes waterproof cases and power sports accessories under a handful of other names.
