Fishing News
Archives

Back To

Back To

Kansas Angler Online Edition

Back To

Swim Tail® Lures

The Original Action Tail

Contact Us

Zeiners Angler Supply

Kansas Angler

Swim Tail Lures

Brunswick sells Zebco division
June 29, 2001 - Each spring finds anglers and soon-to-be anglers searching for a fishing reel. Many of them buy a reel from Zebco, one of the countries best known companies in fishing. This year someone bought the entire company.

This spring, W. C. Bradley Co. decided to buy the entire company. They finalized the purchase the Zebco division of Brunswick Corporation.

During the past year, Brunswick had been trying to sell the company and other divisions in an effort to devote their attention to fewer operations.

"With the Zebco transaction, we have completed another step in the planned divestiture of our outdoor businesses," said George W. Buckley, Brunswick's chairman and chief executive officer. "During the past year, we have sold our bicycle, sleeping bag, camping equipment, Remington outdoor apparel and Hoppe's shooting sports accessories businesses. The only significant asset remaining to be sold is our cooler business, and we are intently focused on completing that sale in the near future. By divesting these businesses, we are better positioned to devote our full attention to building our market-leading businesses in marine engines, pleasure boats, fitness equipment, bowling and billiards."

Brunswick brands still include Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruser sterndrives and inboard engines; Sea Ray, Bayliner and Maxum pleasure boats; Baja high-performance boats; Boston Whaler and Trophy offshore fishing boats; Princecraft deck and pontoon boats in addition to their other lines.

W. C. Bradley Co. acquires several well-known brands marketed by ZEBCO including Zebco, Quantum, Browning, Martin and Lew's.

"The ZEBCO acquisition supports the strategic growth objectives of the W.C. Bradley Home Leisure Group and broadens our presence in leisure market," said Tim Horne, President, W.C. Bradley Home Leisure Group. "ZEBCO is a power brand in the fishing market with strong traditions and an emphasis on providing value for their customers and the end consumer. They will be an excellent fit for our organization. We are also excited about the high caliber of the Zebco management team and look forward to the value they will add to our strategic planning for the entire Home Leisure Group."

Jeff Pontius, ZEBCO President said, "We are very pleased about becoming part of the W.C. Bradley Co. W.C. Bradley's excellent reputation and relationship with the mass-market retailers will strengthen our position in the marketplace even further. We are excited about finalizing the acquisition and are ready to get back to what we love...selling tackle. We're committed to Tulsa and we're committed to the fishing industry."