ANNAPOLIS, MD, January 26, 2018 - Atlantic Cruising Yachts will acquire Florida Yacht Group and will represent the Jeanneau brand in the Florida market, effective February 1, 2018, according to an agreement announced by both companies.
Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, Atlantic Cruising Yachts is one of the largest sailing yacht dealerships in North America, the largest Fountaine Pajot dealer worldwide, and one of the top Jeanneau dealers in North America. The company believes the expansion will be a major benefit for yacht owners, improving availability and delivery timelines for new Jeanneau yachts, due to Atlantic Cruising Yachts' size and strong relationship with manufacturers.
"We believe this transaction will have a major, positive impact on the sailing yacht industry, especially on the East Coast and we predict that within two years, Jeanneau will become the top-selling brand in the newly combined territories. We are excited about the future of Atlantic Cruising Yachts and Jeanneau," said Christian Bent, president of Atlantic Cruising Yachts.
"Popularity and market share for Jeanneau continues to grow in North America, so having Atlantic Cruising Yachts represent our brand in Florida offers added value for current and future owners," said Catherine Guiader, Sales Manager at Jeanneau America. "We fully support this acquisition and feel it is happening at the right time with the right dealer."
Florida Jeanneau owners will also now have access to the company's innovative ownership programs, like their signature Business Yacht Ownership® program, which can help owners offset their costs with tax advantages and income. Atlantic Cruising Yachts' charter management network, Waypoints™, allows owners to charter their yacht from a range of independently owned East Coast and Caribbean locations, with charter and management programs structured to offset the costs with professional management and maintenance.
Florida Yacht Group is headquartered in Riviera Beach, Florida. Current principal Marty Neagelin will join Atlantic Cruising Yachts' management team as National Sales Director.
"We believe this combination made perfect sense, as we serve customers who spend time in both markets. They, above all, will benefit from an organization that serves them seamlessly in two of the best sailing locations on the East Coast," said Marty Naegelin, principal of Florida Yacht Group. "We're very excited to be a part of the Atlantic Cruising Yachts team and are looking forward to building the Jeanneau brand."
"Over the years we have recognized the tremendous opportunities we could bring to the Florida sailing yacht market by working together," said Bent.