Marine electronics wholesaler SeaWide Distribution and NTP-STAG, a division of Keystone Automotive Operations in the RV segment, are “combining to service the marine industry under the SeaWide brand,” Keystone/NTP-STAG announced in a statement.
The deal gives SeaWide access to Keystone’s national distribution network, which comprises 44 locations and more than 2.5 million square feet of warehouse space for next-day service.
“This is extremely exciting for us and will enable SeaWide to expand our current business immensely,” SeaWide founder Mike Yarbro said in the statement. “Our customers will have a major upgrade in delivery service level, product range, inventory breadth and depth, business-to-business systems and tools, marketing resources and much more.”
The move expands SeaWide’s offerings to include marine hardware and accessories, furniture, cargo management, service and maintenance parts, and towing and trailering products through the NTP-STAG portfolio.
In an email to Trade Only Today, Yarbro said SeaWide’s senior management team will stay on board.
Earlier this year, Soundings Trade Only spoke with Bill Rogers, president of Keystone/NTP-STAG, about his company’s continued plans to make inroads in the marine segment.
“It’s front and center, a main priority for us,” he said. “I do think we will make significant headway as an alternative to the independent dealer base out there. And it’s a great time for that because if they’re like every other in-high-demand market, they are looking for alternatives, and we offer a lot of advantages.”
Commenting on the SeaWide acquisition, Rogers said: “We are really happy to have Mike and his team now working hand-in-hand with our existing associates to provide their leadership in the marine market and together provide customers and suppliers with a great source for all the outstanding products this growing industry has to offer.”
