NGH to distribute Railblaza mounts and products in the US

Nautical Group Holdings (NGH) has acquired the assets of YakGear Inc that relate to Railblaza distribution in the US market.

YakGear, the Texas-based distributor of kayak equipment, paddle sports and marine mounting accessories, has been the exclusive distribution partner of Railblaza products for nine years in the US.

The transaction sees NGH, which last year was acquired by Oriens Capital Fund 2, acquiring all assets of YakGear that relate to Railblaza distribution, including associated stock and direct to consumer (DTC) accounts. Railblaza USA will operate as a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of NGH from Houston, Texas, managing all Railblaza operations and sales distribution to the North American market.

New Zealand-headquartered Railblaza produces flexible and robust mounting systems and accessories for the marine, RV and farming sectors.

CEO of NGH, Marc Michel says: “Our thanks to the YakGear team who have done an amazing job of establishing and growing Railblaza in the US market. This is a strategic acquisition to accelerate our momentum in the US market and put in place a focused Railblaza team.”

“This transaction enhances the long-term positioning of Railblaza and strengthens our ability to drive closer to US distribution channels, particularly in terms of our direct-to-consumer channel where sales have grown in line with brand presence in the US and other markets. The ability to own and drive this channel and to develop a consistent, targeted approach to e-commerce will allow Railblaza to get closer to its end-user customers, and ultimately accelerate sales.”

The remaining assets of YakGear have been acquired by TH Marine, a division of OneWater. TH Marine has grown to be one of the largest suppliers of marine parts and accessories in the US. As part of a new distribution agreement, TH Marine will distribute Railblaza products to the OEM, big box and wholesale channels in close collaboration with Railblaza.

Andrew Moczygemba, current COO of YakGear, has been appointed president of Railblaza USA and will be responsible for leading the US team.