Brunswick Group's Trophy Boats Acquisition

The Brunswick Corporation, a titan of the marine industry, owns the Trophy Boats brand. Trophy Boats is a renowned brand in the boating industry, catering specifically to anglers with its durable vessels. The Brunswick Corporation has been a prominent market leader in the marine industry for over 170 years, with headquarters in Mettawa, Illinois.

The Trophy Boats brand entered the market in 1987, initially offering an array of walkaround fishing boats and center consoles. The brand became a subject of honour amongst saltwater fishing enthusiasts and is one of the oldest boating manufacturers in the United States.

In the early 2000s, Brunswick removed the Bayliner name from the Trophy line, positioning it as a separate brand. Today, Trophy Boats is part of the Brunswick Boat Group, which is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is the largest maker of pleasure boats in the world.

The Brunswick Corporation has a rich history that dates back to 1845 when John Brunswick, a carriage maker from Switzerland, opened a shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company has since expanded its product lines and survived economic downturns, solidifying its position as a leading manufacturer of recreational boats, marine engines, and parts and accessories.

The Brunswick Boat Group's history

The Brunswick Boat Group, a division of the Brunswick Corporation, has a long history dating back to the mid-19th century. The story begins in 1845 when John Brunswick, a carriage maker from Switzerland's Rhine Valley, immigrated to the United States and established the J.M. Brunswick Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Initially focused on carriage making, Brunswick soon expanded into billiards, producing high-quality billiard tables that gained popularity across the nation. Over the years, the company grew and diversified, with John's brothers joining the business, and it was renamed multiple times, eventually becoming the J.M. Brunswick & Brother in 1860.

In the late 19th century, the company underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions, partnering with competitors like Julius Balke's Great Western Billiard Manufactory and H.W. Collender Company. This led to the formation of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, which dominated the billiards equipment market and expanded its product offerings. During this period, the company also ventured into bowling, introducing wooden lanes, pins, and balls, and playing a pivotal role in establishing the American Bowling Congress in 1895.

As the company continued to evolve, it entered World War I, supplying the military with gun stocks and wooden wings for fighter planes. After the war, Brunswick introduced a line of school furniture and continued to innovate and diversify its product portfolio. The company survived the challenges of the Great Depression under the leadership of Bob Bensinger, who implemented modern management methods and introduced new products like the tabletop refrigerator.

In the early 20th century, Brunswick expanded into diverse markets, including toilet seats, automobile tires, and phonographs. They even ventured into the music business, creating the Brunswick Record label and working with renowned artists like Duke Ellington. However, during Prohibition, the company faced a crisis as the bar and bar-fixture business suffered significantly.

In the 1930s, Brunswick entered the marine industry, acquiring Owen Yachts and Larson Boat Works, and establishing itself as a key player in recreational boating. The company continued to grow and diversify, with Benjamin Bensinger leading the company through a period of tremendous growth. During World War II, Brunswick once again contributed to the war effort, manufacturing defense equipment, parachute bomb flares, assault boats, and aircraft components.

In the post-war era, Brunswick continued to innovate and expand its marine presence, acquiring Kiekhaefer Corporation, the predecessor of Mercury Marine, and introducing the MerCruiser sterndrive. The company also ventured into medical products, school furniture, and sporting goods, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to market demands.

In the 1980s, Brunswick became a major maker of yachts and pleasure boats, with brands like Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Maxum, Sea Ray, and Trophy. The company continued to acquire and develop new brands, solidifying its position as a global leader in the marine industry.

The Brunswick Boat Group, specifically, was formed in 2000 to manage the diverse boat brands under the Brunswick Corporation umbrella. Within a few years, the group doubled in size, acquiring additional brands and solidifying its position as the world's largest maker of pleasure boats. However, the global economic downturn in 2008 led to a reduction in sales and workforce, with the group closing several plants to weather the financial crisis.

Today, the Brunswick Boat Group, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, continues to be a prominent force in the marine industry, known for its high-quality pleasure boats and diverse brand portfolio. The group's net sales have fluctuated over the years, with US$1.7 billion in 2008 and US$1.0 billion in 2012, reflecting the economic climate and market demands.

The Brunswick Corporation's history

The Brunswick Corporation, formerly known as the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, is an American corporation that has been developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide variety of products since 1845. The company was founded by John Moses Brunswick, who moved to the United States from Switzerland at the age of 14 or 15. On September 15, 1845, he opened the J. M. Brunswick Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, initially intending to make carriages. However, after becoming fascinated with billiards, he decided to switch his focus to manufacturing billiard tables, which were then mostly imported from England. The tables were a commercial success, and the business expanded, opening an office in Chicago in 1848.

In 1860, the company was renamed J. M. Brunswick & Brother when a family member joined the business, and by 1874, it had merged with competitor Great Western Billiard Manufactory to become the J. M. Brunswick & Balke Company. In 1879, the company was incorporated, and it merged again with another competitor, H. W. Collender Company of New York City, to form the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company in 1884. The company expanded its product line to include large ornate neo-classical style bars for saloons, bowling balls, pins, and equipment, and even toilet seats, automobile tires, and phonographs in the early 20th century.

During World War II, the company manufactured small target-drone aircraft for the U.S. military, and after the war, it introduced a line of school furniture. In 1949, the company premiered its "Model A" Mechanical Pinsetter, which automated the process of handling bowling pins for ten-pin bowling. In the 1950s, the company also introduced a line of golfing equipment.

On April 10, 1960, the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company officially changed its name to the Brunswick Corporation. The company continued to diversify its product offerings, acquiring Mercury Marine in 1961 and introducing the automatic scorer for bowling in the 1970s. During the Gulf War, the company supplied the military with camouflage nets and radomes for the Patriot missile.

In the 1980s, Brunswick became a major maker of yachts and pleasure boats under brands like Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Maxum, Sea Ray, and Trophy. In 1997, the company purchased the Roadmaster bicycle division but sold it two years later due to competition from low-priced imports. In 2001, Brunswick acquired Hatteras Yachts for $80 million and continued to expand its marine and technology acquisitions.

In 2004, Brunswick acquired Lowe Boats and Northstar Technologies, a marine electronics provider. The company also established regional headquarters outside the U.S. to better serve its global customers. In 2014, Brunswick announced its exit from the bowling business, selling its bowling center business and later its bowling equipment and products division.

In 2018, Brunswick acquired Power Products' Global Marine & Mobile business, its largest acquisition to date, and in 2019, it acquired Freedom Boat Club, the largest marine franchisor in the U.S. The company also established a new business structure, the Advanced Systems Group (ASG), to focus on commercial growth opportunities for its newer business segments.

Today, Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in marine recreation, committed to transforming experiences on the water through innovation and technology. With nearly 200 years of history, the company has become an established American institution, navigating economic booms and busts and remaining one of the longest continually publicly-traded companies on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Brunswick Boat Group's sales

The Brunswick Boat Group (BBG) is a division of the Brunswick Corporation, which is headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois. The Brunswick Corporation is a prominent market leader in the marine industry, with a legacy spanning over 170 years. The company has been manufacturing high-quality marine products for years and is committed to transforming experiences on the water through bold innovation and consumer-focused technology.

The Brunswick Boat Group, on the other hand, is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is the largest maker of pleasure boats in the world. The group was formed in 2000 to manage the Brunswick Corporation's nearly 45 boat brands. From 2000 to 2005, the BBG doubled in size and acquired 13 additional brands. The company's net sales were US$1.7 billion in 2008 and US$1.0 billion in 2012.

The global economic downturn in 2008 led the Brunswick Boat Group to downsize its operations. The company closed more than a dozen plants and reduced its workforce by about 10% after its sales fell by more than 16%. Despite this setback, the Brunswick Boat Group has continued to be a major player in the marine industry, with a diverse portfolio of boat types and brands.

One of the notable brands under the Brunswick Boat Group is Trophy Boats, which entered the market in 1987. Trophy Boats is a renowned brand in the boating industry, specifically catering to anglers with its durable and innovative designs. The boats are manufactured using a process called the PRO system, which offers a durable vessel at an affordable price. Trophy Boats feature comfortable seating, innovative storage solutions, and powerful motors, ensuring a seamless experience on the water.

In 2016, Honda Marine and H2O Sports Manufacturing LLC announced an agreement to revive the Trophy brand exclusively powered by Honda Marine engines. The new Trophy boats featured wood-free construction, upholstery designed and sewn on-site, a full liner, a spray core, and a lifetime warranty on the boat structure. This partnership further elevated the Trophy brand and expanded its capabilities.

In addition to Trophy Boats, the Brunswick Boat Group also owns other well-known brands such as Bayliner, Boston Whaler, and Sea Ray. These brands cater to different segments of the boating market, offering diverse options for fishing, cruising, and watersports enthusiasts. The group's commitment to innovation and its extensive portfolio have contributed to its success and made it a trusted name in the marine industry.

The Trophy Boat Brand's revival

The Trophy Boat brand has a rich history dating back to its entry into the market in 1987. Initially, Trophy Boats offered a range of walkaround fishing boats and center consoles, catering specifically to anglers. The brand was first introduced as Bayliner's fishing boat line, known as "Trophy by Bayliner." Over the years, the Trophy brand evolved and improved its build quality, eventually separating from the Bayliner name and establishing itself as a distinct "brand" within the Brunswick Corporation.

In 2016, a significant development took place in the revival of the Trophy Boat brand. Honda Marine and H2O Sports Manufacturing LLC announced a new agreement to bring back the Trophy brand of boats, now exclusively powered by Honda Marine engines. This new partnership marked a new chapter for Trophy boats, elevating their performance and appeal.

The all-new Trophy boats featured several enhancements and innovations. For instance, they boasted wood-free construction, upholstery designed and sewn on-site with Sunbrella UV-protecting fabrics, walk-in consoles, a full liner, vinyl ester resin, and a spray core. Additionally, these boats came with a lifetime warranty on the boat structure, ensuring customer confidence and peace of mind.

The agreement between Honda Marine and H2O Sports Manufacturing LLC resulted in a completely new lineup of Trophy skiffs, incorporating the latest boat-building technology and powered by Honda engines. This collaboration breathed new life into the Trophy brand, showcasing its commitment to innovation and delivering an enhanced experience for boating enthusiasts.

The revival of the Trophy Boat brand is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Brunswick Corporation. By partnering with Honda Marine, they were able to reintroduce Trophy boats with improved features and performance, solidifying their position in the marine industry. This strategic move not only benefited the companies involved but also delighted customers who valued the combination of Honda's engine technology and Trophy's boat design.

Today, Trophy boats continue to be a popular choice among anglers and boating enthusiasts. With their durable construction, comfortable seating, innovative storage solutions, and powerful motors, Trophy boats offer a seamless and enjoyable experience on the water. The revival of the Trophy Boat brand has strengthened Brunswick Corporation's diverse portfolio of marine products and reinforced its reputation as a leader in the marine industry.

The Trophy Boat's construction

The Brunswick Boat Group (BBG) is a subsidiary of the Brunswick Corporation, which is headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois. The Brunswick Corporation was founded by John Moses Brunswick in 1845 and originally intended to be a manufacturer of carriages. However, Brunswick soon became fascinated with billiards and the company began to produce billiard tables. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include a diverse range of items such as bowling balls, pins, sporting equipment, toilet seats, automobile tires, and phonographs.

In the early 20th century, Brunswick entered the boating industry and became a major maker of yachts and pleasure boats under brands such as Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Maxum, Sea Ray, and Trophy. The company's boating division, the Brunswick Boat Group, was formed in 2000 to manage its growing portfolio of boat brands. Today, the Brunswick Boat Group is the largest maker of pleasure boats in the world, with a wide range of subsidiaries and brands.

Trophy boats are a well-known brand within the Brunswick Boat Group. Trophy offers a range of boat hull types and designs, including deep vee, modified vee, and others. These boats are considered ideal for activities such as day cruising, saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and overnight cruising. The smallest Trophy boat currently listed is 17 feet in length, while the longest is 31 feet, with an average length of 20.99 feet. Trophy boats are powered by outboard, outboard-4S, outboard-2S, inboard/outboard, and inboard propulsion systems, and gas fuel systems.

The price of Trophy boats varies depending on the model and specifications, ranging from $8,384 for more economical models to $91,976 for higher-performance vessels. The boats are equipped with motors ranging from 60 horsepower to 500 horsepower, with an average power of 150 HP. Trophy's popular models include the 2002 Walkaround, 2052 Walkaround, 2302 Walkaround, 2352 Walkaround, and 1703 Center Console.

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