New Owners for Burnsco

A new era beckons for Burnsco, the iconic NZ retailer of accessories for boating, fishing, RV and outdoors.

The business has been a mainstay of the New Zealand marine scene for 140 years. The latest owner, over the past 40 years, has been the Macleod family. During this time, the Burnsco business has diversified from pure chandlery into a wider range of gear for boating, fishing, RV, caravan and off-grid living. It has grown to serve the whole country with 16 stores from Opua to Christchurch and an online store.

“Every business must be focused on growth and future opportunities. If it’s not going forward, it will inevitably go backwards,” said Bruce Macleod, Managing Director.

“So, with my sisters and I now at retirement age, we have taken a long time to look for the best option for Burnsco to build and develop on its success as the market leader in our field.”

It’s unlikely that New Zealand customers will notice much difference when the change in ownership occurs, since the stores will continue trading under the Burnsco name.

Advised by Nick McKay from KPMG, the family identified Jaycar as a substantial business that is still in family ownership. Jaycar has a proud 41-year history with a significant business across Australia and New Zealand with Jaycar retail stores and Electus Distribution. In addition, it has a national footprint of RTM retail stores across Australia. RTM (Road Tech Marine) is a very similar business to Burnsco, selling gear for both boats and RVs.

Jaycar’s acquisition of Burnsco enables the two businesses to provide a compelling trans-Tasman operation.

Chris Wilesmith, Group CEO & Managing Director of Jaycar Group, explained - “The Burnsco acquisition allows the Jaycar Group to extend its Marine and Outdoor expertise into New Zealand where it plans to continue to operate Burnsco as a stand-alone business, under the existing Burnsco brands and run by the well-respected Burnsco senior management team”.

The sale of the Burnsco chain is an end of a long involvement with the company for the Macleod family.

So, it’s unlikely that New Zealand customers will notice much difference when the change in ownership occurs, since the stores will continue trading under the Burnsco name with the same friendly and knowledgeable team. The parties signed documentation on 25 November 2022, with a view to completing the sale at the end of the year, and staff were informed shortly afterwards. Bruce Macleod will continue to be involved at Burnsco in early 2023, assisting in the transition. After almost 20 years at the helm, having taken over from his father Keith, Bruce commented that it will be a huge wrench, not only for him to leave Burnsco, but also for the family as well.

“I’m confident though that being part of a more substantial group will bring many exciting opportunities for our staff and the development of the Burnsco business.”