Distressing news Marquis/Carver

[Cooler]

Unfortunately, Marquis/Carver has announced a temporary shut down of operations, effective March 1. The company has been for sale after the passing of previous owner. There was a sale in progress but that buyer pulled out at the last minute. Search for buyer continues. 344 employees are impacted, but it is anticipated this shut down is temporary and short. It may not happen at all if a new buyer enters the transaction soon. First, let's cross fingers, send prayers and hope something positive happens quickly. The company and staff is passionately committed to the industry, as well as all of us owners. A lot of us had great interaction with the top notch talent there. Second, if there is anything you need from Carver, contact them asap. Have not heard if there will be a skeleton crew to field inquiries. Finally, if there are any Carver impacted employees reading this, especially from the detailing department, PM or email me via this site. Because of the timing of this event, I could connect you with some owners looking for help with season prep projects. Good luck to all, things will work out for the best! er

[tomschauer]

For the employees, the industry and all of us, I sincerely hope they find a way to stay in operation for many years to come!

[km1125]

YIKES! I didn't see this coming!! Wonder how they're doing financially? Seems like in such a good overall market they'd have lots of room for sales, as compared to 'down years'.

Was it privately owned?? I had thought someone purchased them and they were running independently as a "wholly owned subsidiary" for a while. Not accurate?

[throwback2]

Wow,didn't expect to see that.

[Benda515]

Well that is news that a new owner dosent like to see. I bet lexus isnt pleased after creating that new yacht with them. Hopefully a new sale will happen

[Midnightsun]

I did not see this coming but always wondered how Carver could continue offering what they do when all others seem to have downsized or disappeared. Sad news for the entire industry, let's just hope someone is crazy enough to inject time and money into a great boating company but man you really need to have a large set of family jewels to do this. New boat prices are simply ridiculous IMHO, depreciation at least 50% in a few years. As Brunswick corp said when they downsized Bayliner and shut down Meridian followed by Searay. The used boat market is our biggest competitor and almost all are opting for used as opposed to new. You have to admit, not much new stuff out there at all.

[bud37]

Lots of competition from offshore built boats now, its gotta be tough to control costs......eastern Europe etc.

On another front, saw a bowrider that was the best part of 40'.....is this what people want now?

[mjk1040]

It's hard for me to understand how a sole owner of such a company did not have a succession plan in place prior to ones demise!

[Cooler]

Please be advised that I am in no way connected to the company, just passing along info being discussed among very reliable sources, current and previous employees. I really should keep this on the down low, but this group deserves to hear something. Ownership structure is a combo of LLC supported by the individual no longer with us. Yes, there is most likely a succession plan in place, but the key players in that plan have no interest in owning a boat manufacturing business. Marquis/Carver is one piece of the puzzle. There are currently about 100 employees working, and the Lexus model is getting most of that attention. They have orders, but some are being impacted by economic conditions completely out of their control. There is a lot of confidence that the company will continue, after this bumpy period, with a strong possibility the temp stop will not actually occur. The announcement came out as a direct result to regulatory requirements regarding employment intentions. The company serves a niche of the market that other manufacturers do not serve. They build a great product, with real value in terms of cost and result. Saturday night I was informed there is another buyer, and maybe a second, engaged in the process. When I look at how the competitors are evolving, with a focus on outboard applications on 38' and 40' day boats, I would think that Marquis/Carver position is getting stronger as a comfortable condo on the water. Let's all remain positive, and serve as supportive ambassadors of the company and their valuable operation. Owners of the product are a strong resource in this situation. Benda515 - chillax, you are getting a fabulous boat! er

[Midnightsun]

It's all over the web already.