Malibu Boats Comments on Litigation Filed by Former Dealer
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Insights
The lawsuit between Malibu Boats and Tommy's Boats presents a multifaceted legal issue that could have implications for contractual obligations and dealer relationships within the boating industry. From a legal perspective, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how manufacturers manage their dealer networks and handle disputes. The litigation process can be protracted and costly, potentially affecting Malibu's operational costs and legal reserves. Stakeholders should monitor the progress of the case, as an unfavorable ruling could lead to significant financial liabilities or necessitate changes in business practices for Malibu.
Malibu Boats' dispute with a former dealer partner may influence investor perception and the company's market position. While the immediate financial impact may be limited, the reputational risk and potential disruption to the dealer network are areas of concern. Investors should consider the stability of Malibu's dealer relationships and the company's ability to maintain market share amidst legal distractions. Additionally, the boating industry's response to this lawsuit could reveal insights into the robustness of dealer agreements and the competitive dynamics at play.
An examination of Malibu Boats' financial health is essential to understand the potential impact of the lawsuit. Legal disputes can divert resources from core business activities and result in unforeseen expenses. It is important to analyze Malibu's balance sheet for sufficient reserves to cover legal costs and any possible settlements. Furthermore, the company's stock price may reflect investor sentiment regarding the lawsuit's implications. Long-term effects on profitability and growth should be assessed, taking into account the company's ability to navigate through this challenge while maintaining operational efficiency.
Any and All Boats That Malibu Sold to Tommy’s Boats Were Ordered by Tommy’s
Malibu Intends to Vigorously Defend Itself While Minimizing Any Short-Term Impact on Existing Dealer Partners and Customers
LOUDON, Tenn., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malibu Boats, Inc. (Nasdaq: MBUU) (“Malibu” or the “Company”) today issued the following statement in connection with a lawsuit filed by Tommy’s Boats (“Tommy’s”) and its related parties in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee on April 10, 2024:
“The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims made by Tommy’s. Tommy’s was formerly a longtime dealer partner of ours, and we ended our relationship due to concerns about Tommy’s own conduct and its financial soundness. Indeed, Tommy’s lender is also suing it for violating the agreements Tommy’s used to finance the purchase of our boats. We will always act to protect our business, our customers and our shareholders.
As such, we believe it is important to clarify the following points:
- Any and all boats that Malibu sold to Tommy’s were ordered by Tommy’s. Malibu only sold boats to Tommy’s that Tommy’s ordered, and Malibu fulfilled its obligations under its agreements with Tommy’s. We value our relationships with our dealer partners, and we live up to our agreements.
- Malibu took action in light of Tommy’s sales of boats out of trust. In the fall of 2023, Malibu first became aware that Tommy’s was selling boats out of trust (selling boats that were bank collateral and not reporting the sales to the bank or repaying the bank). Upon learning that Tommy’s was selling out of trust, Malibu engaged with Tommy’s and M&T Bank, on numerous occasions, regarding Tommy’s financial position and potential paths forward. Those discussions did not result in a resolution that we believed was in the best interest of our shareholders, dealer partners and end-customers, and we therefore ended our relationship with Tommy’s. We do not currently have any dealership agreements in effect with Tommy’s.
- Tommy’s is already mired in litigation over its default on its lending agreements. Earlier this month and in response to, among other things, Tommy’s conduct in selling boats out of trust, M&T Bank sued Tommy’s for breach of its lending agreement. M&T has filed a motion to appoint a receiver over the assets of Tommy’s.
- Malibu is working to mitigate any disruption for our partners and customers – as well as our business. We have been working with our dealership network and are in discussions with strong dealer partners to limit any service gaps in markets previously served by Tommy’s. We remain committed to serving Malibu’s end-users in all our markets.”
About Malibu Boats, Inc.
Based in Loudon, Tennessee, Malibu Boats, Inc. (MBUU) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a diverse range of recreational powerboats, including performance sport, sterndrive and outboard boats. Malibu Boats, Inc. is the market leader in the performance sport boat category through its Malibu and Axis boat brands, the leader in the 20’ - 40’ segment of the sterndrive boat category through its Cobalt brand, and in a leading position in the saltwater fishing boat market with its Pursuit and Cobia offshore boats and Pathfinder, Maverick, and Hewes flats and bay boat brands. A pre-eminent innovator in the powerboat industry, Malibu Boats, Inc. designs products that appeal to an expanding range of recreational boaters, fisherman and water sports enthusiasts whose passion for boating is a key component of their active lifestyles. For more information, www.malibuboats.com, www.axiswake.com, www.cobaltboats.com, www.pursuitboats.com, or www.maverickboatgroup.com.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words and phrases as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “continue” and similar expressions, comparable terminology or the negative thereof, and includes statements in this press release regarding our belief that Tommy’s claims are false and our ability to mitigate any market disruption. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties are outside our control, and there may be other risks and uncertainties which we do not currently anticipate because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or supplement any forward-looking statements that may become untrue because of subsequent events, whether because of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
Contacts
Investor
Malibu Boats, Inc.
InvestorRelations@MalibuBoats.com
Media
Dan Zacchei / Joe Householder
Longacre Square Partners
malibuboats@longacresquare.com
FAQ
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