Aquatic product and pool accessory maker Aqua-Leisure Recreation continued its growth with the purchase of Airhead Sports Group.
Based in Denver, Airhead designs, distributes and supplies products for recreational water and winter sports, including towable tubes, tow ropes, life jackets, pool floats and loungers.
This is the first acquisition that Avon, Mass.-based Aqua-Leisure has made since it was acquired by private equity firm Blackford Capital in January, 2021. “Bringing these two companies together creates an extremely strong portfolio across watersports, marine and pool and float categories, allowing us to drive new growth and long-term profitability,” said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital.
Sold under the Airhead, Sportsstuff and Yukon Charlie’s brands, Airhead products are distributed across more than 60 countries. Aqua-Leisure expects to gain significant sourcing and purchasing power through the volume increase.
Airhead’s management team will remain in place, with Leland Nichols now serving as COO of the combined group.
Aqua-Leisure said it is the No. 1 brand in pool hammocks and lounges, while Airhead is the top name in the marine towable watersports and winter leisure activity products.