For Immediate Release
TULSA, Okla. (Aug. 9, 2007) - Zebco W.C. Bradley, best known as a rod
and reel company, has acquired four brands of fishing line from
Shakespeare Co. LLC of Columbia, S.C. The announcement was made today
by Zebco President Jeff Pontius upon completion of the transaction.
The purchased fishing line brands are Cajun Red, Omniflex, Supreme
and Outcast. Details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.
"We are pleased to have this opportunity to enter the fishing line
market," Pontius said. "The acquired business is a small but growing
'beachhead' for us in the line market and we plan to expand on it
over time."
The transaction is a result of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
decision. Shakespeare's parent company, K2 Inc., is owned by Jarden
Corp., which recently acquired Pure Fishing Inc. Because Pure Fishing
already has the leading market position on fishing line with brands
like Berkley Trilene, Stren and Spiderwire, the FTC required
Shakespeare to sell its fishing line business.
"We are excited about the line opportunities," said Bob Bagby, Zebco
vice president of marketing. "Cajun Red pioneered the idea of red
line which quickly becomes less visible in use since red is the first
color absorbed by water. The red line continues to grow in popularity
and were confident we can further build on its momentum."
Pontius expanded on the company's plans, saying that although
transfer of ownership to Zebco has already occurred, the change will
not be apparent to consumers for awhile as the existing inventory
moves through distribution. "The brands we acquired will remain the
names on the product," he said. "They are good, popular brands. The
transition should be relatively seamless for all customers."
Zebco will ultimately move the line business to its facilities in
Tulsa and Claremore, Okla., but does not foresee any changes to its
workforce needs over this time.
About W.C. Bradley Co.
The W.C. Bradley Co. (www.wcbradley.com), founded in 1885, is a
privately owned company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. It is a
multi-brand supplier of high-quality consumer goods and services
focused primarily on the home and leisure lifestyle markets. It is
comprised of Char-Broil (Columbus, Ga.), W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate
(Columbus, Ga.), Zebco (Tulsa, Okla.), Lamplight Farms (Menomonee
Falls, Wis.), and the PGA Tour Stop (St. Augustine, Fla.).
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