Quillback

#16 Today, 02:29 PM Bass Pro Group buys Ranger, Triton, Stratos Thursday, December 11, 2014 In a stunning move, Bass Pro Group announced today it has reached an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC from private equity firm Platinum Equity. The move brings Ranger Boats along with the Stratos and Triton brands under the same umbrella as Nitro and Tracker, among others. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but reports earlier this fall indicated Platinum was seeking $250 million for the three companies it acquired as part of its purchase of Genmar Holdings in 2010. Following is the release that was circulated this afternoon regarding the aquisition: SPRINGFIELD, MO – Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity. The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments. “This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values,” said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products.” Morris added that: “It’s also important that our companies share comparable cultures and values and are dedicated to manufacturing quality products in the USA.” Following the closing of the transaction, Fishing Holdings will continue operating independently under its existing management at its headquarters in Flippin, Ark., located a two-hour drive from Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield. “We are impressed with the company’s leadership team and performance and look forward to welcoming them to the Bass Pro Shops family,” said Morris. “We are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands,” said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. “This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing.” Having grown the business since its origins, Wood also praised the transaction. “I’m excited for Ranger and the team at Fishing Holdings,” he said. “Johnny’s organization is deeply rooted in fishing and dedicated to conservation. He’s made a huge contribution to our sport, and I believe this is a real opportunity to better serve so many dealers and loyal customers around the country.” Both Morris and Wood have for many years generously donated their time and financial resources to support conservation efforts that help ensure a future for fishing by future generations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed.

Beautiful smallie!

Yeah that shipping charge would be a deal breaker for me..

Dodgers are going crazy. Red Sox also making a lot of moves.

Interesting...

Thanks for the update on the Crawler - I like that it runs deeper than the Wart.

A-rig is hard to beat this time of year.

Congrats to Pinkel.

Decoy pic - they were really up Aunt's creek.

Jim, do you mean he smoked the fish on it, or he got smoked by the other guys in the tournament?

Yikes! $1,600.00 and still 3 days to go.

Very nice!

True that, the bait is getting a lot of hype.

I heard a rumor that the Spro Rock Crawler will be released next month.

Back to the Future..

LOL, yeah probably so.

Never have caught a trout down in the lake, but have heard of many who have. And they are usually nice ones when they are caught.

Cubs making a move, don't know if it is enough to make them relevant next year. http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/10/jon-lester-goes-to-cubs-for-155-million-over-six-years/related/

Yes, for sure Wrench sell them on the big boards. BBC board lures for sale has had a bunch of originals on sale going for a minimum of $20. If they have "Wiggle Wart' written on the underside of the bill, those are the ones that are the "old" version.

Be careful in Seligman as you approach the intersection with 37 if you come back that way from Big M or Eagle Rock.

Thanks guys for the kind words, it's just a little too far for me to make a day trip, otherwise I would consider it. Sure going to be some nice weather, maybe I will get out and chase the bass if I'm feeling OK. I spoke to Miles at Riley's just a few minutes ago. He plans to put everyone in the River Villa - same place we stayed at last year. It has 5 bedrooms, one of them has 2 beds in it. There's a couple of futons in the den, and if 8 guys are there Saturday night, then someone will have to sleep on a couch in the living room.

Guys, I am not going to be able to make it - my back has been acting up, makes me very reluctant to spending a couple of days fishing, and to top it off, my dog has got some kind of allergic reaction that is causing him to break out in a rash, so I don't want to bring him on a trip. Somebody needs to bring some cole slaw, ketchup, and tartar sauce for Brett's fish fry. I called Riley's yesterday to update them on the number of people, left a message and they have not yet called back. I will try again today. Hope you guys do well, post some pics and videos!

I was hoping for some upsets last weekend, specifically to see Bama and FSU lose, that would have really tossed a monkey wrench in the whole process. Surprisingly there were not any upsets, and I can't believe how OSU just stomped Wisconsin.

Love that hat! Nice bunch of stripers also, congrats!

You can call it a cop out or bogus or whatever but it is one of the selection criteria, at least for this year. Maybe they will adjust their criteria after this year, but if not, the Big 12 will be at a disadvantage, unless they adopt a championship format. Principles. The committee will select the teams using a process that distinguishes among otherwise comparable teams by considering: Conference championships won, Strength of schedule, Head-to-head competition, Comparative outcomes of common opponents (without incenting margin of victory), and, Other relevant factors such as key injuries that may have affected a team’s performance during the season or likely will affect its postseason performance.