POMPANO BEACH, FL -- South Florida-based FB Marine Group has announced the acquisition of Fort Lauderdale-based yacht management and service company, Shield Marine. Combining forces enables the newly formed division, FB Shield Marine, to enter into new markets, benefit from economies of scale, grow their customer base and expand their workforce.
Founded in 2010 by Matthew Hayes and Jeff West, Shield Marine provides personalized yacht management service connected to the day-to-day operational requirements of many yachts in South Florida and around the globe. The company’s specialties include diesel engine services, hydraulics, electrical troubleshooting, marine air conditioning systems, bottom painting, and full-service maintenance programs. Shield Marine also provides manufacturer and dealer support for various European brands including Princess, Fairline, Sunseeker and Azimut.
“Shield Marine offers superior services that have enabled them to build strong, long-term relationships with their clients, many of whom have turned to Shield Marine for maintenance since the company’s inception, said Randy Sweers, founder of FB Marine Group. “We look forward to continuing to build upon the stellar reputation they have developed.”
“These two companies have many synergies and they share the belief that customers’ needs are of the utmost importance,” said Jeff West, founder of Shield Marine. “Both FB Marine Group and Shield Marine are committed to meeting those needs and as a result, the majority of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.”
Jeff West will remain in a business development role and oversee all day-to-day operations of the newly named division, FB Shield Marine. He will focus on operations and client retention and providing the best possible experience for yacht owners, captains and their crew.
“This acquisition will bring expert management and cutting-edge back-end operating systems to Shield Marine,” said Matthew Hayes. “The Shield Marine crew brings with it great skills to further build upon through training offered by FB Marine Group.”
About FB Marine Group
FB Marine Group is a family owned and operated business, founded in 1994 by Randy and Kim Sweers. The Sweers have followed their vision to build FB Marine Group into one of America’s leading luxury marine dealerships with locations in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio, offering a complete list of services including sales, brokerage, charter, service, financing, parts, paint and fiberglass repair. Today, FB Marine Group has more than 40 employees, including factory Mercury, Yamaha, Volvo, and Formula trained service technicians and offers a vast array of marine parts and engines.
