Bass Pro Shops Buys Ranger Boats

Forrest L. Wood, founder of Ranger Boats of Flippin.

Bass Pro Group LLC, the privately held outdoor and hunting supply retailer, is buying Fishing Holdings LLC of Flippin, which makes Ranger Boats, Stratos and Triton fishing boat brands, from Platinum Equity of Los Angeles, the global investment firm announced Thursday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company said it will continue to operate from its Flippin (Marion County) headquarters under existing local management.

Platinum Equity acquired Ranger Boats and Stratos as part of a larger portfolio of boat brands in February 2010 from Genmar Holdings Inc of Minneapolis. It acquired Triton from Brunswick in July 2010. 

Genmar, a privately held company, filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2009.

“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,” Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson said in a news release. “We achieved our goals and I am very proud of all that has been accomplished during our stewardship.”

Among Platinum’s investments was a $13 million expansion of the Flippin manufacturing plant announced in October 2010.

On Thursday, the companies said the purchase by Bass Pro will provide further “enhanced services and products” to support Fishing Holdings’ dealer network and customers base.

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

Bass Pro operates 90 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers throughout North America. The stores offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear. It also owns Tracker Marine Group, which makes and sells boats for fishing and cruising.

Bass Pro opened its first store in Arkansas, a 120,000-SF location at Gateway Town Center at the northwest corner of Interstates 30 and 430 in Little Rock.

“We’re excited about the association with these iconic brands,” Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris said in a news release. “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.”