UK boat and engine dealership sold

UK boat and engine dealership Bridger Marine has been sold to new owners for an undisclosed sum.

Founded by John Bridger in 1979, Bridger Marine deals in boat sales, as well as being an outboard motor dealership providing specialist main agent sales and servicing support for a number of engine manufacturers. The Exeter-based business also retails leisure marine and watersports equipment and has an on-site chandlery. It is run by John Bridger’s son Paul.

The new owners, father and son team Rick and Chris Mason, have experience in the business, with Chris being employed by Paul for the past 18 years as senior salesperson, and Rick being one of their most long-standing customers, making numerous boat purchases from Bridger over the years.

“I’m working for the Masons for the foreseeable future in sales,” says Paul Bridger. “We know Chris and his dad well, and we know the business is in good hands.”

Rick Mason says: “We are rebranding as Masons Marine and we hope to expand the repair and servicing side of the business, possibly into a mobile service, as well as based at the premises in Exeter.

“Chris and I have worked with Paul for many years and we wish him all the best in his semi-retirement.”

First Peninsula Marine, a specialist business sales and acquisitions agency focused exclusively on the marine and maritime sectors, acted as advisors and agents to Bridger Marine on the sale.