Freedom Boat Club expands in Connecticut
Freedom Boat Club has acquired its Freedom Boat Club of Connecticut franchise operation and territory from the current owners. The acquisition includes all current Connecticut-based locations, as well as the rights to expand and build new club locations in the territory.
Currently, there are seven Freedom Boat Club locations across the Connecticut coastline from Stamford to Mystic, with plans for continued expansion ahead of the 2022 boating season.
Freedom Boat Club, a division of Brunswick Corporation, entered the Connecticut market in 2016 and the corporation says it has been successful in attracting new boaters to its shared-access participation model under the leadership of Richard Cromwell and Peter DeVilbiss. Membership at the Connecticut club locations has consistently grown at a double digit percentage annual rate over the past six years.
“The acquisition of the Connecticut franchise and territory is consistent with our strategic plans to accelerate growth in markets that present tremendous opportunity to expand the Freedom brand,” says Cecil Cohn, Freedom Boat Club Network president.
“The current franchise owners have done an exceptional job of providing a strong foundation for growth with best-in-class operations, as well as attracting a loyal and passionate membership base. Through this acquisition and our recent acquisition of the New York territory, we will continue to expand our footprint across the Northeast region and within the largest metropolitan market in the United States.”
President of Freedom Boat Club, Richard Cromwell adds: “Brunswick Corporation and Freedom Boat Club have both been fantastic partners to us over the years and we’re thrilled to see their continued success in the market. As long-time participants in the marine industry, we know our members will be in great hands under Freedom’s leadership and look forward to seeing many of our members on the water during the 2022 boating season.”
All owners and staff are intended to be retained during the transition.
