Vortex International Acquires AquaBlue

MONTREAL, QC--(Marketwired - Nov 13, 2015) - Vortex Aquatic Structures International (www.vortex-intl.com), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions, announced that it has acquired AquaBlue, a Cornelius, NC-based designer and manufacturer of waterslides and water play equipment. Formed in 2008, AquaBlue is a fast-growing waterslide company, and is focused on developing innovative products for the municipal and commercial market segments.

Both companies are privately held. AquaBlue employees will remain with the new company, and continue to work from the company's North Carolina offices.

AquaBlue's expertise lies in its design, engineering, manufacturing, and project management of its full range of waterslides for city pools, parks and recreation facilities as well as water parks, and theme parks. David Hoy, AquaBlue's president will be staying on, and will drive the company's design and engineering resources to continue to design and build innovative waterslides. 

"This acquisition complements Vortex's product line by adding a broad portfolio of waterslides as well as strong relationships with municipal and commercial customers," said Stephen Hamelin, president and CEO of Vortex. "We've long admired AquaBlue's waterslides. They are well engineered and are quality products. Their culture fits well with ours, given a commitment to excellence, innovation and infrastructure. Customers will benefit from having a single design source."

According to Hoy, "The Vortex brand is well-known for innovation. By providing access to Vortex's R&D capabilities and financial strength, this deal provides us with an opportunity to collaborate in the development of new innovative products. We also gain access to Vortex's global marketing, distribution and sales support channels."

The combined company has installations located at park and recreation facilities, municipal pools, community aquatic centers, water parks, theme parks, YMCAs, fitness clubs, hotel/resort water parks, campgrounds, and residential developments.

About Vortex 
Vortex Aquatic Structures international, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, was founded in 1995 with the introduction of the first Splashpad®. Vortex's use of the highest quality materials coupled with unique, inspiring design and state-of-the-art engineering, positioned the company as the world leader in aquatic play solutions.

In addition to its operations in Montreal, Vortex has regional sales and technical support offices in California, Michigan, Texas and North Carolina in the USA, Lyon and Paris in France, Valencia in Spain, Køge in Denmark and Shanghai and Beijing in China. The company has a global marketing and distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.

With over 6,000 installations worldwide, Vortex's mission is to lead the aquatic play industry by continuing to develop the most fun, innovative and safe products for families and children of all ages and abilities.

For more information on Vortex Splashpad®, Poolplay™ and Elevations™, Spraypoint™, Water Journey™, Water Slides and Watermark solutions, please visit the company's website at www.vortex-intl.com.