Bass Pro Buys Ranger, Triton, And Stratos

[fishinwrench]

Jerry, I bet it's a big deal to anyone in the dealer network.

My guess is that they'll eventually be reduced to Used boat salesmen.

[Jerry Rapp]

I am sure it is FW. But I am guessing the outboard makers could care less. They will just keep chugging along rigging off shore boats(2 to 3 OB's are normal), pontoons, ski boats, etc. There are probably 500 boats in slips at Mark Twain Lake right now, and 98% of them are not bass boats. But most have outboards hanging off of them. Ditto at Wappapllo, and maybe 100 at Clearwater Lake. Now start counting, LOZ, TR, Champlaign, the Florida Lakes, Lanier, the South Carolina Lakes, the North Carolina Lakes.....etc////

[moguy1973]

Makes buying a big name boat a little more accessible for people near a Bass Pro instead of having to find a dealer.

[J-Doc]

I doubt it. I think everything will stay the same on the surface. It will be a while before things change and it won't be that noticeable to the public. Warranty work and other issues will become a pain I bet. Quality issues may become an issue in ling term. But I bet Ranger will refuse to sacrifice quality. They already made Stratos and Triton improve some things for floatation and other small differences.

Just my opinion anyway

[rps]

Black bricks on the back of everything. Lowest common denominator marketing. End of R&D divisions, because no demand exists until someone else creates it. Dang.

I may have to drive my boat until no one can repair or refurbish it. Or until the market changes once more. Who here remembers Herters or Ouchita or Okiebug. Innovators that blazed trails for later followers.

[wdberkley]

Like someone said - maybe the Rangers built up to this point will become like Pre Rapala Wiggle Warts - worth 10x more because they were that much better....

[Ham]

Everyone ought to be in a Bass Cat anyway. This just makes the decision easier for y'all.

[Feathers and Fins]

I remember Herters! Worse day in waterfowling is when Cabelas bought them out. Decoys have sucked since that day.

[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.

[huntest]

I have had the misfortune to be involved with a number of corporate mergers and acquisitions. The common thread in All mergers and acquisitions is three fold:

1) The larger business believes that they can finance the acquisition and create additional profits through cost reductions and operational "synergies"

2) The purchase expense is far less than the cost of competition in the marketplace

3) The purchase/acquisition cost buys the former competitors proprietary and patented manufacturing processes...... (Bass Pro just acquired Ranger's patented pulltrusion technology as an example)

I have never seen the larger / acquiring company not make substantial changes to the acquired company even

if it takes a few years....just my 2 cents