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Eddyline Kayaks, North America’s premier manufacturer of lightweight touring and recreational kayaks, announced today that it has raised a minority growth equity investment from RZC Investments. Located in Bentonville, Arkansas - RZC Investments is a multi-strategy investment firm focused on deploying capital into operating businesses as the investment arm for Steuart Walton and Tom Walton. As part of the investment, RZC Vice President Don Huffner joins the Eddyline board along with long-term managers Todd Keane, Janet Sutton, and Scott Holley.
“RZC Investments has a track record of investing in and growing premium outdoor brands, and members of the Walton family have been a tremendous supporter of outdoor conservation and recreation. We are thrilled to be RZC’s first investment in the paddlesport market. As a 50-year-old company, Eddyline was looking for a partner with a long-term orientation and a commitment to outdoor recreation, and we found that in RZC. This investment will allow us to continue to grow our production of high quality, lightweight kayaks for paddlers everywhere” says Eddyline’s president, Scott Holley.
“We’re excited about partnering with Eddyline Kayaks. RZC is passionate about investing in marquee outdoor brands, and we’re thrilled to be working with another fast-growing premium outdoor manufacturer like Eddyline”, said Don Huffner. “Paddlesport participation is growing as consumers look for healthy ways to access outdoor recreation, and Eddyline is uniquely positioned in the market to service that need well into the future.”
Scott Holley continues: “Eddyline celebrated its 50th anniversary as the global pandemic resulted in a surge in outdoor recreation. RZC’s focus on outdoor and recreational assets that benefit from and amplify the natural resources of Arkansas and the southeastern US complements our heritage in the Pacific Northwest -- and sets the company up for continued expansion throughout North America and beyond. With that in mind, we expect to establish a physical presence in NWA to support the distribution needs of our existing and future dealer partners.”
About Eddyline
Founded in 1971, Eddyline Kayaks is a manufacturer of premier kayaks and accessories. In 1996, Eddyline changed the industry when the company first introduced thermoformed kayaks to the market. Eddyline has always been a closely held company, focused on quality rather than quantity. Eddyline’s designs are a direct reflection of a commitment to the customers’ paddling experience. The Eddyline team strives to build the highest quality kayaks and paddles with meticulous attention to detail, to support paddlers with “best-in-class” service for their adventures, and to innovate to improve the comfort, performance, and reliability of the company’s products. In 2021, paddling.com named Eddyline “Best Touring Kayak Brand” according to customer reviews. http://www.eddyline.com
About RZC Investments
RZC Investments in Bentonville, Arkansas, is the direct investment firm of Runway Group, a company founded by Steuart Walton and Tom Walton in 2017, grandsons of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, and managed by Matthew Tarver and Don Huffner. The firm is focused on providing long-term, differentiated capital to high-growth businesses. http://www.rzc.investments
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R. Scott Holley
President
Eddyline Kayaks
scott@eddyline.com
