In a move that makes it more of an international player in the boating industry, KCS International Inc. of Oconto has acquired all of the assets of the Azure sport boat line. The transaction was announced during Miami International Boat Show.
The acquisition will allow KCS to carry a full product line with vessels ranging from 18 to 56 feet, adding bow riders, sport decks, and sport cuddies to its Cruisers Yachts line. KCS International is the parent company of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts.
In early February, production work began to be transferred from the Azure plant in South Carolina to Oconto., a process that will continue over the next few weeks. The first boat under the Cruisers Sports Series is expected to roll off the production line in May or June of this year.
Mark Pedersen, president of KCS, said the transaction sends a message to employees that KCS intends to be in the boat business for a long time.
He also said boating enthusiasts will not see drastic changes to the previous Azure models.
KCS has added Spencer Ship of Monaco to oversee export development to Central and South America, the Far East, and Australia.
