Salt Lake City, January 22, 2014: At Outdoor Retailer Winter
Market, Bill Kueper, Vice President, Wenonah Canoe, Inc. and Todd
Bradley, President C4 Waterman, Inc. announced the merger of C4 Waterman
into Wenonah’s existing world-wide distribution network. This merger
will improve global access to the C4 Waterman product portfolio
leveraging the strength of Wenonah’s established and growing
distribution network. Additional synergy is anticipated from Wenonah’s
extensive experience and brand legacy in global supply chain
management. Kueper said, “The addition of C4 Waterman SUP, safety,
rescue accessories and apparel products to Wenonah’s brand stable makes
Wenonah a one-stop-shop for SUP, kayak and canoeing.” C4 Waterman,
Inc., a Hawaii-based adventure sports company making tools to support
the waterman lifestyle, merging with Wenonah ensures the Hawaiian
company’s position as a premiere brand in the global action sports
industry.
Wenonah’s Founder/Owner, Mike Cichanowski believed in C4 Waterman from
the beginning and helped launch the brand at Outdoor Retailer Summer
Market in 2007. This introduction to the outdoor industry brought some
of Hawaii’s most legendary watermen and a refined, premium line of
stand-up paddle (SUP) boards and paddles. Today, C4 is recognized
worldwide as the pioneer and innovator of SUP surfing and racing and as
the premier brand for SUP boards, paddles and related accessories. The
C4 team has continued to break new ground with inflatable SUPs (“iSUP”)
and innovative tools for rivers and oceans, water rescue equipment and
related soft goods. C4’s development of the iSUP has ushered in a new
class of river exploration and whitewater riding for inland sports
enthusiasts around the world. Additional synergy is anticipated by
Cichanowski, no stranger to Hawaiian waters and who has completed
several Moloka’i Hoe canoe races, added,
“Wenonah and C4 have always
maintained a passion to offer the very best performance, constructions
and value propositions to the paddler. Now, what was a shared ohana
between our companies becomes a formal marriage”.
While innovative product design has kept C4 ahead of the pack, it is
the team’s dedication and commitment to sharing the lifestyle of the
waterman, through its key ambassadors in River, Ocean and Safety that
make them leaders in the industry.
“This will be a very exciting phase for C4 Waterman, with the
expansion of the brand well beyond the stand-up paddle equipment that we
are best known for, our portfolio of new innovations is now ready to
share with the world,” said Todd Bradley, co-founder of C4 Waterman.
Brian Keaulana, co-founder of C4 Waterman, added, “As we’ve always
said, ‘waterman’ is more than a word, it’s a lifestyle. No single piece
of equipment defines a waterman. Partnering with Wenonah Canoe will
allow us to become the company we have always envisioned: a lifestyle
brand providing the best quality products to make the waterman’s time on
the water as productive and enjoyable as possible. We look forward to
exploring the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
"We are excited about this new chapter for C4 Waterman," said Archie
Kalepa, lead Rescue partner; "Wenonah is an industry pioneer and leader
with genuine authenticity.“
Key company insiders for C4; Todd Bradley, Brian Keaulana, Dave
Parmenter and Archie Kalepa will continue to help innovate the brand
with the support of the new parent company. Initially, resources will
be focused on delivering a transparent experience for customers and
consumers in all areas, including customer service, supply chains and
future innovation. Integration of C4 into Wenonah’s corporate structure
is expected to be complete by ORSM 2014.
About Wenonah Canoe, Inc.:
Established formally in 1968 in Winona,
Minnesota, Wenonah Canoe has roots reaching back to the 1950's. The
company is the outgrowth of a lifelong devotion to paddling by Mike
Cichanowski, who began canoeing as a young Boy Scout. Cichanowski’s
passion manifested itself into a life’s business while he was still in
college. Today, Wenonah Canoe along with its Current Designs and QCC
kayaks brands positions itself among the largest makers of paddle sport
watercraft in the world, emphasizing ultra-light yet extremely robust
constructions and high-performance models. Nearly 400 knowledgeable
paddle sports retailers throughout the world distribute their boats and
accessories.
About C4 Waterman :
C4 Waterman, Inc. is an Oahu, Hawaii-based lifestyle and adventure
sports equipment company focused on providing the highest quality hard
goods and soft goods to water sports athletes and enthusiasts around the
world. C4 was the first authentic company with a focus on SUP and
continues to lead the pack when it comes to industry recognition,
authenticity and product design.
By press release
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire