Merle Wood & Associates acquires Chamberlain Yachts

US brokerage firm Merle Wood & Associates has announced the acquisition of Chamberlain Yachts and the appointment of Kent Chamberlain as CEO. 

Chamberlain brings more than 40 years of experience in the yachting industry, primarily in management and ownership roles. He has served as general manager of Bradford Yachts, vice president of Westship Yachts, general manager of Merle Wood & Associates and, most recently, as owner of Chamberlain Yachts. 

Chamberlain also currently serves as the chairman of the Superyacht Network, a position he has held for 25 years. 

Merle Wood says this move provides additional sales management and the ability to expand the company’s reach into new markets for the production and custom yacht division. 

Wood says: “I tapped Chamberlain for this role because of his collegial style and reputation for bringing yacht brokers together.” 

Wood says the acquisition also provides additional management, allowing Wood more time to focus on superyacht clients rather than day-to-day operations. John Cohen, director of sales & charter, said the new addition will help update the company’s marketing and technology services and increase sales productivity.