Yamaha to Acquire Texas-Based Manufacturer of Fishing Boats

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA plans to acquire a Texas-based fishing boat manufacturer for $37.5 million in a move aimed at further increasing Yamaha’s reach into the water-sports market.

Yamaha, which already owns two U.S.-based boat builders, will acquire Skeeter Products, a Kilgore, Texas, manufacturer of outboard-powered fiberglass fishing boats, from Skeeter parent Meridian Sports Inc. of New York.

Cypress-based Yamaha Motor USA is part of Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corp. The company imports and distributes a variety of Yamaha products, including a line of outboard motors and jet boats and personal watercraft.

Yamaha Motor USA also is negotiating a long-term agreement to supply engine and pump systems for Meridian’s WetJet recreational sports equipment subsidiary in Pennsylvania.