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Hoffman acquires Mackinac Island Ferry Company, bought Shepler’s two years ago

Mackinaw Island Ferry Company

The Florida-based private equity firm now owns nearly all the passenger ferries to Mackinac Island

The Hoffmann Family of Companies announced the acquisition of Starline Ferries this week and says business will continue as normal.

The vessels rebranded a couple years ago under the name “Mackinac Island Ferry Company.”

Hoffmann also bought Shepler’s Ferry in 2022 - the only other major passenger ferry to the island.

The president of the company’s marine endeavors told the Detroit Free Press all jobs will remain. She did not disclose the price of the sale.

The multi-billion dollar company now owns nearly 50 vessels across seven states.

Hoffman also owns two local newspapers, the Mackinac Island Town Crier and St. Ignace News. The firm says it’s the largest owner of real estate parcels in the Mackinac area.

Starline was founded in the late 1970s and has nearly a dozen ferries in its fleet.

Over a million people visit the island per year.

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