Platinum Equity selling Ranger, Stratos, Triton brands to Bass Pro Group

Platinum Equity announced Thursday that it has reached a deal to sell Fishing Holdings, LLC, to Bass Pro Group, LLC.

The Arkansas-based manufacturer of the Ranger Boats, Stratos and Triton brands will now become part of the Bass Pro Shops family.

“We’re excited about the association with these iconic brands. Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood has been a longtime friend and someone who has made a tremendous impact on our industry. We look forward to building on such a rich history,” said Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris in a statement.

Morris said the brands will continue to operate from their Flippin, Ark., headquarters under the leadership of existing local management.

“The business will continue to be operated independently by the same management team that has led it for many years,” he said.  “Our goal is to provide the products and services necessary to fuel our collective growth.”

Rumors of a pending sale first surfaced this fall.

Platinum Equity acquired Ranger and Stratos out of the Genmar bankruptcy in February 2010, along with other brands that made up Rec Boat Holdings. The Rec Boat Holdings brands, including Four Winns, Glastron, Wellcraft and Scarab, were sold to Bénéteau Group in June. Platinum acquired Triton from Brunswick in July 2010.

“Nearly five years ago we pledged to provide the resources and support necessary to help the company grow and evolve, while respecting the heritage and deep roots in fishing that make it so special,” said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson, who led the acquisitions in 2010.  “We achieved our goals and I am very proud of all that has been accomplished during our stewardship.”

Samson credited Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper and the hard work of Fishing Holdings employees as the key driver of the company’s success.

“Randy is an exceptional leader, with a very talented executive team supported by a tremendous group of dedicated employees throughout the entire organization,” Samson said. “The business will be in very good hands going forward.”

Hopper expressed excitement about the future as part of the Bass Pro Shops family.

“We’re very fortunate to be partnering with an organization with so much understanding of the industry and our brands,” he said.  “This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing.”

Related Articles

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button