Boats Group, LLC

Boats Group is a global leader in online marketplaces, digital marketing solutions, and financial services for the recreational marine industry. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company's mission is to connect buyers and sellers, providing tools and insights that drive business growth for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), brokers, and dealers worldwide.

The company operates a comprehensive suite of online marketplaces, including prominent brands such as Boat Trader, YachtWorld, boats.com, CosasDeBarcos, Annonces du Bateau, Boten te Koop, Boatshop24, Boats and Outboards, iNautia, and Boot24. Beyond classifieds, Boats Group offers a range of digital solutions, including lead generation, customer relationship management (CRM), website design and hosting, electronic closing services, and advanced inventory management tools like BoatWizard. These services cater to marine businesses across North America and Europe, aiming to streamline the boat buying and selling journey.

Under the leadership of CEO Patrick Kolek, Boats Group maintains a strong market position, reaching over 200 million boat shoppers annually. In a significant development, General Atlantic and CPP Investments agreed in December 2025 to acquire stakes in Boats Group from Permira, with Permira retaining a substantial minority shareholding. This transaction, valued at approximately $2 billion, is anticipated to finalize in the first half of 2026. The company continues to innovate, focusing on AI-enabled tools, data-driven marketing solutions, and enhanced digital experiences to modernize the marine marketplace. However, the company also faced a proposed class-action lawsuit in August 2025, alleging anti-competitive practices in the recreational boat sales market.