L Catterton Acquires West Marine

West Marine, the leading integrated, omni-channel provider of aftermarket products and services to the boating, fishing, sailing and watersports markets in the U.S. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by L Catterton. L Catterton is the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm and has extensive experience building enthusiast brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1968, West Marine operates 237 physical locations across 38 states and Puerto Rico and two eCommerce platforms reaching domestic, international, and professional customers. West Marine is recognized as the leading resource for cruisers, sailors, anglers, and watersports enthusiasts. In partnership with L Catterton, West Marine plans to continue to expand its industry leading consumer marine centers, fast track the advancement of its digital content, commerce and community capabilities for customers, and over deliver value with product, knowledgeable advice, and an exceptional and differentiated consumer experience.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with L Catterton in the next phase of growth for West Marine,” said Ken Seipel, CEO of West Marine. “The L Catterton team brings invaluable consumer, brand building, and digital expansion expertise to help us accelerate our growth plans. In partnership, we look forward to enhancing our digital capabilities and elevating our consumer experience to not only provide the broadest product offering in the industry, but to deliver the most comprehensive and rewarding consumer experience no matter where or how our boaters choose to engage with us. We look forward to our new partnership with L Catterton.”