Today we’ve got big news coming out of Bozeman, Montana, where Vista Outdoor just announced that they are buying Simms Fishing Products for a whopping sum of $192.5 million.
From SGB Media:
“Vista Outdoor, Inc. announced the acquisition of Simms Fishing Products for the purchase price of $192.5 million. The gross purchase price includes a net present value of roughly $20 million in future tax benefits.Â
Simms, the fishing brand and designer, marketer, and manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel, is headquartered in Bozeman, MT. The company was founded in 1980 and later acquired in 1993 by K.C. Walsh, its current executive chairman.
“Walsh’s initial vision for Simms was to create the most beloved brand in sport fishing that could marry his passion for fishing with his commitment to fisheries conservation. This vision has endured as Simms is now one of the most highly innovative fishing gear and apparel companies and a purpose-driven brand that resonates with consumers across the globe,†said Vista in a press release.
More than 8,500 Simms-sponsored fishing professionals use its products and distributes them through specialty retail domestically, internationally and DTC through simmsfishing.com.Â
Vista said, “fishing continues to be a popular and highly accessible activity, with more than 55 million fishing participants in the United States alone.â€
You can learn more about the acquisition on SGBMedia.com.
To me, this is not good. Vista applauds Simms but totally leaves out any statement on continuing the brand’s paths to success or stating its goal for the company. Vista being a massive conglomerate of mostly mid to lower end outdoor products may well use the business strategies already existent. I hope my prediction doesn’t become true. Simms is (was?) the platinum standard in waders and boots and no slouch at bags, vests, etc. For us heavier folks, they were the only quality wader choice. Orvis and Patagonia are good for slim to average people only.
I too share the same feelings as Steve. This reminds me of the purchase of Eddie Bauer decades ago. It was never the same quality and most products catered to the shopping mall crowd. I hope the commitment to quality, USA made, and innovation remain constant moving forward. I hope I am pleasantly surprised!!