Rather Outdoors, the parent company of Lew's and Strike King, announced that it has acquired Zebco, the Tulsa, Okla.-based manufacturer of rods, reels and accessories. The deal also includes Quantum, a Zebco subsidiary.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zebco to the Rather family of brands," said CEO Ken Eubanks. "From a company perspective, this business represents robust growth potential for Rather Outdoors and enables us to continue building a complementary offering for our most important partner, our consumers in the fishing community.”
The fishing equipment space has seen a consistent upward trajectory in consumer participation. In the past year, consumer interest has grown substantially, particularly in the segments of youth anglers and new anglers – areas where the Zebco brands (in business since 1949) have excelled.
“This bold acquisition positions Rather Outdoors to take full advantage of the sport’s growth and momentum,” Eubanks said.
A key component of the Zebco acquisition is the strong Europe portfolio, which includes Telford, England-based Preston Innovations and Zebco Europe, located in Tostedt, Germany. Preston, a leading UK match fishing brand, has an established presence in the coarse, carp and bait segments of the European market. Zebco Europe distributes the namesake Zebco brand, but also has a strong share of Europe’s predator fishing with Quantum, which originally launched in the U.S. in 1984.
“What the Zebco acquisition means for our retail partners is of utmost importance to Rather," Eubanks said. "A strong partnership between Rather and our retailers is in this company’s DNA. We believe this deal will enhance consumer engagement and provide retail customers with a full complement to our heritage brands.”
Said Steve Smits, president and COO of Zebco: “The team here at Zebco is proud of our past and the strong traditions of our brands. We believe that the leadership of Rather Outdoors remains committed to delivering the highest quality products to the loyal consumers of Zebco Brands.”
FAQs
Rather Outdoors, the firm which owns Lew's, Fox International and Salmo, has confirmed to TTW that it has acquired the portfolio of Zebco brands, which includes Zebco, Preston Innovations and many more.
Who bought out Zebco? ›
Rather Outdoors has announced that it has acquired Zebco Brands (“Zebco”), the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of fishing rods, reels and accessories. Quantum rods and reels were included in the sale.
When did Zebco stop making reels in the USA? ›
Tulsa, OK-based Zebco, a W.C. Bradley company, has been supplying the U.S. market since 1949. In 2001, it cast a line into deep water by moving production of its rod-and-reel sets and most of their packaging—what Zebco calls flatboards (carded blister-packs that merchandise the rod-and-reel combinations) to China.
What companies does Zebco own? ›
Zebco is owned by W.C. Bradley Company and is the current holder of such brands as Quantum, Badlands, and Cajun Line. Zebco Brands also owns Zebco Sports Europe, which was reacquired by the company in 2011.
Are Zebco reels made in China? ›
Zebco decided to make most of its low-end reels at factories in China.
When did Brunswick buy Zebco? ›
Through the introduction of a series of new models featuring high quality at reasonable prices the company continued to expand until 1961, at which time it merged with the Brunswick Corporation.
Why is the Zebco 33 so popular? ›
The Model 33 wasn't the first fishing reel ever produced and sold by Zebco, but it certainly was—and remains—its most popular. When it first hit the market in 1954, anglers of all ages were quick to appreciate the reel's rugged dependability and ease of use.
Are Zebco reels any good? ›
Good product! Casts well with no binding, Easy to use if your beginning fishing and looking for an inexpensive reel. Bought this for use of just dropping my line from the kayak, which the trigger system works well. You can't go wrong buying this.
Where is Zebco made? ›
Only manufacturing of the Zebco 33 reel remains in Tulsa. Union spokesman Rick Mullings said that's because Zebco has an investment in a $1 million robot that can't do as good a job assembling the reels as the women could by hand.
What did Zebco stand for? ›
A friend of President Eisenhower asks the company to send a reel to the White House. When security sees the package labeled "Zero Hour Bomb Co" they plunge it into a tub of water and call the bomb squad! 1956. Zero Hour Bomb Company offically changes name to Zebco.
year. . . . . . . 1954.
Is there a market for old fishing reels? ›
In most cases, the older the reel is, the better chance it has of having more value as a collectible. Although this is not always the case, the older the reel is, the better chance it has of being handmade of quality materials and most likely produced in smaller quantities.
Who bought out Lew's? ›
Lew's Holdings Corporation (the “Company”), a portfolio company of Peak Rock Capital (“Peak Rock”), has been acquired by funds managed by BDT Capital Partners (“BDT”). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Baird served as the exclusive financial advisor to Lew's Holdings Corporation on this transaction.
Is Zebco a good fishing pole brand? ›
It is absolutely fantastic. Even as a novice at fishing (two months of experience), I used my ZEBCO 808 Combo at my first attempt, and caught 15 channel catfishes, my largest catch ever, at the local lake. My subsequent fishing trips with my ZEBCO 808 Spincast Combo have been equally successful.
Did Zebco buy Shakespeare? ›
TULSA, Okla. – Zebco W.C. Bradley, best known as a rod and reel company, has acquired four brands of fishing line from Shakespeare Co.
Who owns Douglas Outdoors? ›
It was on the banks of the Salmon River, a river conservation victory pioneered by the Barclay family – owners of Douglas Outdoors, where the conversation began about starting a premium fishing equipment manufacturing company that focused on quality and performance.
Who is the CEO of Rather Outdoors? ›
Mr. Eubanks is the CEO of Rather Outdoors.
Is Van Staal owned by Zebco? ›
On the business front, Van Staal has experienced changes in ownership that reflect its value in the fishing gear market. The brand was acquired by Pure Fishing from W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc., as announced by Pure Fishing.
What brands does Pure Fishing own? ›
Pure Fishing is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Chub®, Fenwick®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson™, JRC®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Sebile®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, and Ugly Stik®.
