Sportsman's Warehouse bought by parent company of Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops

Utah’s Sportsman’s Warehouse is now part of the Great American Outdoors Group, parent company of Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, White River Marine Group and a collection of nature-based resorts. The Great American Outdoors Group will remain a private company with a long-term view to do what is best for its customers, team members and conservation initiatives. it said.

Sportsman’s Warehouse shares turned sharply higher just before Christmas after the outdoor sporting goods retailer agreed to be bought for $785 million in cash. Great American will pay $18 a share for Sportsman’s Warehouse, a 42 percent premium from its mid-December close. Despite its growth, Great American said it will remain a private company.

“Both entities share a passion with their customers for fishing, camping, hunting, boating and other outdoor activities,” Great American said in a release. The company said the driving force behind the partnership is the two companies’ similar histories and highly complementary business philosophies and geographic footprints.

“Likewise, both are highly acclaimed retailers with well-deserved reputations for a broad offering of outstanding brand name and proprietary products, superior customer service, deeply knowledgeable team members and an unwavering passion for conservation. Uniting together represents an unprecedented ‘win-win’ opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts,” the statement said.

“We are excited to be joining the Great American Outdoors Group. This merger brings together the greatest brands in the outdoor industry,” said Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO Jon Barker. “As we look to the future, the combined entities provide our passionate associates with greater opportunities to serve the outdoor enthusiast. I couldn’t be more proud of the nearly 8,000 Sportsman’s Warehouse associates and their success in building our brand over the last 33 years. We look forward to a smooth transition and building our partnership.”

“Today is a happy day for our companies, outdoor enthusiasts and for the cause of conservation,” said Bass Pro Shops founder and Great American Outdoors Group leader Johnny Morris. “As outdoor sports specialists with unwavering dedication to people who fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, we greatly admire the passionate team at Sportsman’s Warehouse for their commitment to their customers and the sports we all love. By combining our best practices, our aim is to give our customers a best-of-the-best experience while further uniting them to support conservation.”

“More than anything, the partnership will invite Sportsman’s Warehouse employees and customers to become a part of something bigger — a legendary commitment to conservation,” Morris added. “This unprecedented alliance is bringing together sportsmen and women to protect millions of acres of wildlife habitat every year, introduce thousands of kids and families to nature and achieve major legislative victories that advance the outdoors and all who love it.

Since its start in West Jordan over 30 years ago, Sportsman’s Warehouse has grown to 112 stores in the western United States.

The entities will continue to operate independently until the transaction closes.