VALCOURT — BRP Inc., a well-known manufacturer in the powersports sector, has recently announced its decision to sell its Manitou pontoon boat business to the Marcott family, who are the owners of Bentley Pontoons. This move is part of BRP's strategic plan to concentrate its efforts more on its powersports operations and to divest from its marine businesses.
The financial specifics of the transaction have not been disclosed to the public at this time. However, the deal is projected to close during the third quarter of BRP's 2026 financial year. Until the transaction is finalized, BRP has committed to collaborating with the Marcott family to facilitate a seamless transition for the Manitou brand.
In recent developments, BRP has been actively working on a broader strategic initiative that was launched last year to divest various segments of its marine businesses. Notably, the company has decided to retain its Sea-Doo personal watercraft line and associated operations while divesting its other marine brands. This tactic aims to refocus the company on its core powersports offerings, which include snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and personal watercraft.
BRP has already successfully completed the sale of its Alumacraft business, a fishing boat manufacturer, and has signed an agreement for the sale of its Telwater business. The latter transaction is confirmed to be subject to certain closing conditions that need to be met before it can be finalized. These divestitures represent a significant reshaping of BRP’s business model, aligning it more closely with its powersports focus.
This latest announcement of selling the Manitou pontoon boat business to the Marcott family signifies BRP's commitment to streamline its operations while ensuring that its marine brands continue to thrive under dedicated ownership. Manitou has built a reputation for quality and innovation in the pontoon market, and with the Marcotts at the helm, there is optimism regarding the direction of the brand moving forward.
As BRP continues on this strategic path, the focus remains clear: enhance its competitiveness in the powersports domain while gracefully parting ways with its marine divisions. This approach reflects a larger trend in the industry where companies are increasingly choosing to specialize in their core competencies rather than spreading resources across disparate sectors.
This report underscores the dynamic shifts occurring within BRP and its response to the changing landscape of the powersports and marine markets. As the company transitions through these sales, stakeholders will be keenly observing how BRP navigates this new chapter and how it positions itself in the competitive powersports arena.
Companies involved in this report include BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO), which marks its persistent evolution in the industry as it adapts to market demands and organizational goals.
