|

KV PRIVATE EQUITY AQUIRES CANADA’S CAMPION MARINE – TO BE LED BY LORNE NOKONECHNY AND BROCK ELLIOT

Brock Elliot

 

Nov 6, 2018

KV Private Equity has announced that they have acquired the business of Canadian Campion Marine. Founded in 1974 and located in Kelowna, BC, Campion manufactures a large range of recreational fiberglass boats that are distributed globally via local dealer partners. Campion is recognized as Canada’s largest independent fiberglass boat builder!

Photo by Craig Ritchie

“Campion provides an exciting entry point into the marine market, and is a natural fit with our existing portfolio of investments in the recreational vehicle space”, said Jonathan Herman, COO of KV Private Equity. “We were attracted to the Campion due to the strength of its brand, loyal dealer network, and the dedication of its long-term employees and ownership group over the last 45 years of operations.”

A letter from Lorne Nakonechy and Brock Elliot tells us that “For 45 years, Campion Marine has been building products that generations of boaters have enjoyed to create life long memories and adventures. You, as a Campion Marine Dealer have been our partners in providing this experience to our mutual customers and we want to thank you for all of the support throughout the years. 
 
With this letter, Campion Marine and KV Private Equity are pleased to jointly announce the transition of Campion’s business into its next phase of growth with KV as owners. 
 
Campion Marine has been a family enterprise for 2 generations and accordingly the decision to transition the business to KV was made strategically and with the best interests of Campion’s future as the primary consideration. KV’s strong team and experience in the recreational vehicle industry are assets that will benefit us as we move forward together. We will fully support KV throughout the next phase of Campion’s growth, and are committed to continuing the Campion Heritage and building on this strong foundation to capture new and exciting opportunities with you.” 
 
The new organization will be led by Lorne Nakonechny in the capacity of CEO, and Brock Elliott will act as an advisor to Lorne while also transitioning to retirement.  Other Campion contact personnel will remain the same.”
 
For further information please visit: https://campionboats.com/.

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Introducing the All-New Axopar 38 

Axopar pioneers once again to set new standards, with the Axopar 38 range marking a new era in adventure boating. The first model of the range debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 with the world premiere of the Axopar 38 XC Cross Cabin, to be followed by the Axopar 38 Sun Top and Cross Top launching later this year.

Read More



Simrad Marine Electronics Debuts New NSO® 4

As Simrad Marine Electronics marks its 80th anniversary, the brand celebrates eight decades of innovation with the launch of NSO® 4 – the next chapter in marine navigation. Built on the revolutionary NEON™ operating system (OS) and designed to be the world’s most intuitive chartplotter, NSO 4 is the latest premium chartplotter and fishfinder in the Simrad® portfolio, delivering an unmatched combination of effortless control, lightning-fast performance, and sleek design, setting a new standard for offshore navigation.

Read More