In apparent move to extend business into warmer seasons, Connelly Skis announced has signed a purchase agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of North Sports, Inc., a producer of commercial inflatable waterparks, inflatable kayaks, standup paddleboards, and related watersports products under the Aquaglide brand name. The company was originally formed in 1984 as a windsurfing accessory business, and has been involved with kiteboarding, snowboarding, and watersports products throughout its history. The Aquaglide brand was formed in 2004.
“I am very excited for Aquaglide and my team to have the opportunity to get to the next level,” said David Johnson, President/CEO of North Sports, Inc. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to working closely with the Connelly team on the next generation of Aquaglide products.”
Aquaglide will be run as a separate division of Connelly. Johnson will remain as Director of Product Development, while Jeff Cunningham will add the title of General Manager in addition to his duties as VP Global Sales. Closing of the transaction is anticipated by the middle of August.
John Archer, Chief Operating Officer of Connelly Skis, commented, “We are very excited to welcome the Aquaglide team to the Connelly family. We believe these products will fit well within our existing dealer and consumer base and will also open new avenues of growth, especially in the inflatable waterparks and kayak categories.”
