New owners for UK marine dealership

Bridger Marine in Exeter, Devon, which deals in boat sales, as well as being an outboard motor dealership providing main agent sales and servicing support for several engine manufacturers, has been sold to new owners. The sale was announced by First Peninsula Marine, a sales and acquisitions agency specialising in the marine and maritime sectors.

Bridger Marine was founded in 1979 by John Bridger, and swiftly became a family-run business when his wife and son Paul joined the company. Paul later took over the running of the business from his parents.

The new owners, father and son team Rick and Chris Mason, have experience in the business, with Chris having been employed by Bridger as a senior salesperson for the past 18 years. Mason Senior has been a long-standing customer and has made numerous boat purchases from Bridger Marine over the years.

Bridger Marine also retails leisure marine and watersports equipment, and has an on-site chandlery.

Paul Bridger says: “I’m working for the Masons for the foreseeable future in sales. We know Chris and his dad well, and we know the business is in good hands.”

Mason Senior says: “We are rebranding as Masons Marine and we hope to expand the repair and servicing side of the business, possibly into a mobile service, as well as based at the premises in Exeter. Chris and I have worked with Paul for many years and we wish him all the best in his semi-retirement.”

Paul Martin, associate director of First Peninsula Marine, comments: “It was fantastic that a long-established and well-known family business is now owned by another family with impressive plans for the future, and the business will continue to provide a service to all boat owners for many more years.”