Acquisition Boosts Fleet to 46 Vessels Operating Across 7 States
With this expansion, HF Companies now owns more than 116 parcels of land, including docks in Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, and St. Ignace, 51 buildings and 6500 parking spaces. This makes the company the largest owner of real estate parcels in the area and employer to 500 people in the Mackinac area. The acquisition follows the company's recent "Sip n’ Sail" purchase in May 2024, further enhancing its lucrative portfolio in the Michigan area, which includes Shepler’s Ferry, St. Ignace News and the Mackinac Island Town Crier.
Jenny Gezella, President of Hoffmann Marine, shared, “We are thrilled to acquire the Mackinac Island Ferry Company, further expanding our presence in the Mackinac community and marine industry. Our commitment to providing first-class, efficient transportation remains steadfast, and we look forward to continuing to serve both residents and visitors to this special island.”
"To ensure a seamless transition, Jenny will be on the island this season, ensuring guests continue to enjoy exceptional trips and to drive new business," stated Greg Hoffmann, Co-CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies. "In addition to overseeing a local fleet of 24 boats, Jenny remains committed to maintaining high standards across all operations."
In 2022, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company rebranded as the Mackinac Island Ferry Company to consolidate its brand assets, including the Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry fleet from the 1970s, the Arnold Line Ferry fleet operational since 1878 and the Mackinac Marine Services (MMS) shipyard established in 2019.
“Joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies heralds a new era for Mackinac Island Ferry Company,” said Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company. “Our diverse fleet, including Hydro-Jet ferries, catamarans, classic ferries and pirate ship, will complement their marine division while maintaining our unique identity. We are optimistic about the future, dedicated to maintaining our high standards of service, contributing to the thriving Mackinac Island community and continuing to invest in our future.”
To learn more about Mackinac Island Ferry Company, visit www.mackinacferry.com. For more information about Hoffmann Marine please visit hfcompanies.com/companies.
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 100 global brands, and employs 11,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation.
About Mackinac Island Ferry Company:
Formally Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry, The Mackinac Island Ferry Company rebranded in 2022 to consolidate its diverse suite of brand assets, including the Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry fleet, which began in the 1970s, the esteemed Arnold Line Ferry fleet, operational since 1878, and the Mackinac Marine Services (MMS) shipyard, founded in 2019. These valuable assets now come together seamlessly under the Mackinac Island Ferry Company banner, amplifying its brand synergy. Our company boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1878, with the Arnold Line as our most enduring asset. For more information, visit www.mackinacferry.com
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