KIDDERMINSTER boat builder Sealine International has been bought out by one of the largest pleasure boat companies in the world.

The Brunswick Corporation paid $68m - around £49m - in cash for the leading manufacturer of luxury sports cruisers and motor yachts, which won the coveted British Nautical Motorboat of the Year award twice in three years.

Brunswick chairman and chief executive officer George Buckley said acquiring Sealine was an important first step in building a truly global boat company.

"Sealine is a premium brand recognised for distinctive styling and quality and has a reputation for innovation and performance," he said.

"While we currently export Sea Ray and Bayliner boats, Sealine provides us with a platform for growth in international markets with products that meet the needs and tastes of European consumers."

Sealine chairman Gerard Wainwright said the company had found a colleague that shared its appreciation for high standards.

He will continue as chairman of Sealine, reporting to Brunswick's president Dunstan E McCoy.

"Brunswick has a passion for improving and enhancing the boating experience," Mr Wainwright said.

"We are excited about the prospects ahead, and being a part of the world's largest pleasure boat company will afford us the resources and opportunity to accelerate the growth of our business.

"We welcome the opportunity to exchange ideas, technologies and expertise with the other Brunswick boat companies."

Mr Buckley said Sealine's two recent Motorboat of the Year awards represented a brand whose equity was growing.

"Its popularity is testimony to Sealine's dogged adherence to blending traditional craftsmanship with engineering excellence," he said.

Sealine will become part of the Brunswick Boat Group, which has headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois, but will continue to be based in Kidderminster.