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Brunswick to acquire Freedom Boat Club

Mettawa-based Brunswick Corp. said Friday it will expand its reach in the boating industry by acquiring Freedom Boat Club, the largest boat club operator and marine franchiser in the nation, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1989, FBC and its franchisees handle more than 20,000 members, providing access to a fleet of nearly 2,200 boats at approximately 170 company-owned or franchised locations across 30 states, Canada and Europe. Over the last five years, FBC has nearly doubled its location footprint and tripled its membership base, Bruswick officials said in a statement.

FBC will become part of Brunswick's Business Acceleration group, which includes Brunswick's Boating Service Network. Brunswick has participated in the boat club and rental market since 2014, establishing a series of partnerships and pilot operations with both select dealers and marina operators.

"As the leader in the boat club segment, Freedom offers both immediate scale and an established marketplace presence and expertise," said Brunswick CEO David M. Foulkes. "FBC's profitable and cycle-resistant business model is an excellent fit within our marine portfolio."

John Giglio and the Freedom Boat Club management team will continue in their capacities.

"Our knowledge and experience of the growing boat club industry, combined with Brunswick's leading marine resources, will provide FBC and its franchise partners with many new opportunities to accelerate growth and create value, while enhancing the best-in-class boating experience we aim to provide our members," Giglio said.

The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of 2019.

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