Bass Pro Group announces agreement to acquire Ranger, Stratos and Triton boats

Look for some new boat lines in Bass Pro Shop showrooms and catalogs. Bass Pro Group announced an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger, Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity.

If you know anything about bass fishing, you know the Ranger brand of bass boats as a pioneer in the bass boat business. Forrest Woods, founder of Ranger along with Ray Scott, founder of Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society were in every fishing magazine you could find. Ranger supplied all of the boats for the early BASSMASTER Classics. Your favorite fishing pro fished out of Rangers.

Since the introduction of the original Ranger bass boat, the company has expanded its line to include a wide variety of boat styles including aluminum, saltwater and other styles to fit just about any type of fishing. The same can be said about Bass Pro Shops expansion. From carrying only the well known Bass Tracker brand, Bass Pro Shops carry a wide variety of boats including models for fishing, hunting and pleasure boating.

The agreement also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood. 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. “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.

“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.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed.