IT was a little over two months ago when Rodney Longhurst and Wes Moxey (pictured) walked into the Riviera construction yard at Coomera to announce their takeover of the floundering luxury boat-building company.
The surprise deal remains the hottest talking point within the marine industry as outsiders wait to see whether the two boating mates have righted the sinking ship.
As boating enthusiasts converge on the Gold Coast for the annual Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the inside story on the events that led to Riviera buyout can finally be revealed.
Gold Coast Business News has gained exclusive details of the nine days of intensive meetings and assessments during which Longhurst and Moxey leveraged their passion for the boat-building industry against the financial risks of lifting the proud but failing Riviera off life support.
The plan hung in the balance several times, and in the end, it was three simple words that put in motion the business deal that secured the future of one of the Gold Coast’s most famous brands.
As the boat show kicks off, the Riviera flag is flying high again with $20 million in new orders and the boat yard thrown open free to the public this week.
Read the intriguing and inspiring Riviera rescue story only in Gold Coast Business News, on sale now.
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