Seawall Capital, the private equity owner of Kent Watersports, announced the company’s rebrand to Kent Outdoors – a transformation that signals Kent’s expanded focus on the full breadth of outdoor recreation activities.
In addition, Kent Outdoors is announcing the acquisitions of BOTE and Kona Bicycles, pioneering brands in their respective categories.
The rebrand and acquisitions strengthen Kent Outdoors’ focus on acquiring and building outdoor brands that facilitate recreation on land, lakes, rivers, oceans, mountains and snow and across all four seasons. The move also bolsters Kent Outdoors’ position as a market leader in building dynamic brands that help people enjoy the outdoors.
Seawall Capital, a private equity firm that partners with companies delivering products and services that people love and trust, says the rebranding and acquisitions will help Kent Outdoors better serve America’s growing interest in the great outdoors, both on the water and off.
Kent Outdoors also announced today the addition of two new brands to its existing portfolio of 20 watersports brands: BOTE and Kona Bicycles.
BOTE (www.boteboard.com) is a watersports brand driven by a singular mission: To Stand Apart through industry-shaping innovation, fresh ideas and simplicity to create a product that defines a lifestyle. BOTE pushes the boundaries of technology and style, stirring the soul and inspiring adventure. Born from stand up paddle boards and now pioneering inflatable kayaks, floating dock systems, and more.
Since its beginnings in the Pacific Northwest, Kona Bicycles (www.konaworld.com) has spent 34 years building innovative, durable, fun, and eye-catching bikes for all kinds of cyclists. Kona Bicycles believes in the long, sweet ride and that the journey is the best part of any adventure.
On the BOTE transaction, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Dechert LLP served as legal advisors to Kent. Houlihan Lokey Capital Inc. served as financial advisor to BOTE and Godfrey & Kahn S.C. served as legal advisors to BOTE.
On the Kona Bicycles transaction, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Dechert LLP served as legal advisors to Kent. Bell Lap Advisors served as financial advisor to Kona and Betts, Austin, Johnson served as legal advisors to Kona. Additional financing for both transactions was provided by a bank group led by the Private Credit business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Huntington Bancshares Inc.
