Nov. 13, 2006 – PWC Report

Stearns to acquire Sevylor
Stearns Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of watersports-related products, recently announced an agreement to buy Sevylor, itself a market leader in the inflatables category.
Stearns, part of sporting goods giant K2, seems like a natural fit for Sevylor, which was founded in 1948. “For almost 60 years, Sevylor products have been a part of wonderful days on the water for people around the world,” said Stearns President Paul Ebnet. “Stearns is excited to continue Sevylor’s tradition of offering innovative, high-quality products.”
The sale does not include any assets relating to the Manta Ray inflatable, one of several so-called “kite tubes” that have recently fallen under close scrutiny following a number of high-profile accidents.
IJSBA Announces World Finals Changes
With the 2006 World Finals barely in the record books, the International Jet Sports Boating Association has already announced some changes for the 2007 event.
The primary change looks to be the expansion of the vendor area.
“The plan is to attract dealers, producers and distributors to meet and exhibit in the form of an efficient and cost-effective trade show,” explains IJSBA Managing Director Scott Frazier.
Other changes include the expansion of the event by at least a half-day, and a revamped scoring procedure that aims to correct the delays and problems caused at this year’s finals because of a computer crash. psb