BassPro considering offer for Cabelas

[gwh]

Saw on several new wires reports that BassPro is thought to be working with investment banker on possible offer for Cabela's.  Reuters reported that one of the investors in Cabela's is pushing the management to sell the company.  Thought I saw sales of Cabela's in the $3 billion range. With BassPro being privately owned not sure of sales number. Consolidation will reduce competition in the outdoor equipment and apparel industry.  Sure there would be government review of this deal.  In St Louis the two stores are 5 miles apart, at times it hard to get in the door of either one. 

[J-Doc]

First it was Ranger, now this. Lol!

[Kayser]

I feel like the companies serve the same niche for different areas of the country, with Bass  Pro being oriented towards the south and lower Midwest, and Cabela's more western and northern gear.

If there is a merger, either Bass Pro will take on the gear for the other regions in their own stores (especially online), keep them separate while reducing competition, or they will drop the gear and open up a place for another retailer to step in for people that like walleye more than bass.

I'm not overly concerned, but there could be a few years where the gear variety is lacking. 

[hoglaw]

That would be kind of a bummer, but can understand a member of the "lucky sperm club" wanting to be cashed out.

This isn't like AT&T buying Verizon - lots and lots of players in the apparel and sporting goods game.  I doubt that there would be any antitrust issues with it.