Bell Lap Advisors-Advised WaterPort Acquired by Gathr Outdoors

Date

June 2022

Client

WaterPort

Service

Sell-Side M&A Advisory

Buyer

Gathr Outdoors, a portfolio company of Centre Partners

Automotive Aftermarket, Overlanding, Adventure Van, DTC, eCommerce, Outdoor Recreation, Off-road, Camping

Vista, California-based WaterPORT was acquired by Gathr Outdoors, a family of outdoor brands focused on creating and celebrating shared experiences in camping and outdoor recreation.

WaterPORT, which was advised on the sale by Bell Lap Advisors, manufactures a family of innovative water systems for outdoor use. Among these are tanks, high-pressure nozzles, vehicle mounting options and accessories designed to provide adventurers the convenience of a hose when away from home. WaterPORT’s outdoors-optimized products make rinsing camp dishes, hosing down gear, or taking a shower a reality for campers.

Gathr Outdoors owns a stable of outdoors-focused brands including Cascadia Vehicle Tents, GCI Outdoor, KLYMIT, and others. Keith Bornholtz, CEO of Gathr Outdoors stated, “As we continue growing the Gathr Outdoors family of brands, WaterPORT was an obvious addition. WaterPORT brings an important layer of convenience to adventures big and small, perfectly aligning with the Gathr Outdoors purpose of inspiring time spent together outside with innovative products that make the experience more comfortable and convenient.”

Commenting on the transaction, WaterPORT founder Adrian Frick, who will stay on with the company and report to Cory Tholl, said, “Joining Gathr Outdoors will provide WaterPORT the new resources and relationships we need to take the brand to the next level. I believe this move will allow us to truly deliver on our brand's potential.”

Tholl, president of Gathr Outdoors’ camp segment, expressed excitement about adding WaterPORT, noting, “Bringing WaterPORT into the Gathr Outdoors family strengthens our convenience commitment for consumers. Nature can be messy and WaterPORT provides a solution by offering quick clean up and easy access to water so users can spend more time outside with their friends and family. We're excited to help the brand reach more outdoor enthusiasts.”

Bell Lap Advisors, a Bend, Oregon-based M&A Advisor is focused on the outdoor recreation and active lifestyle industry, and is the most experienced M&A adviser for overlanding and adventure van industries in North America.

If you would like to know more about how Bell Lap Advisors helps outdoor businesses maximize M&A transaction value, reach out to us today for a free consultation.