02.02.2011
Zebco Brands Acquires Zebco Sports Europe
This move reunites the two Zebco businesses that were sold separately a decade ago. Zebco Brands, which operates in the Americas and Asia, was purchased by the W.C. Bradley Co., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, U.S., in 2001. Zebco Sports Europe, which operates in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has been owned and operated by Peter Delwes since 2002. Delwes, 64, will continue as Managing Director of Zebco Europe GmbH. He will report to Jeff Pontius, 54, President of Zebco Brands in the U.S.
According to Pontius, the acquisition accomplishes two key goals. First, it assures that the common strategies for the brands are globally established for the long term, and second, it enables stronger growth in Europe.
"Zebco Brands has been interested in expanding its international business, and a reunification with Zebco Sports Europe was a logical first step, " said Pontius. "We are a privately owned business with a long-term focus. Peter Delwes has done a nice job of turning Zebco Sports Europe into a consistently profitable business, but as an independent owner he has been constrained by tight capital markets. With the financial strength of our parent, the W.C. Bradley Co., we can make the investments in staffing, advertising, product development and territory expansion necessary to drive growth."
According to Delwes, "Having a strong partner behind us who knows the fishing tackle business and wants to drive growth is good for our customers, our suppliers and our people.” He continued, "Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible. Zebco Brands has purchased the business, but everything and everyone remains in place at Zebco Europe to serve our customers with excellence today while working on a bigger future."
Marc Olivié, W.C. Bradley Co. President and CEO concluded, "We are excited about adding Zebco Europe to our family of companies. This acquisition supports our strategic focus of leveraging our competencies and strengths to expand in the global market."
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, U.S. 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, Georgia), W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate (Columbus, Georgia), Zebco Brands (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Lamplight (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), and the PGA Tour Stop (St. Augustine, Florida).
About Zebco Brands
Zebco Brands (www.zebco.com), based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S., is a leading marketer of fishing tackle and outdoor gear sold under a portfolio of brand names. The Zebco®, Rhino® and Martin® brands compete in recreational freshwater rods and reels. The Quantum®, Fin-Nor® and Van Staal® brands are targeted at avid fishermen from freshwater to offshore saltwater. The Cajun Line® brand competes in fishing line while the William Joseph™ and Badlands® brands provide serious packs and gear for fly fishing and hunting respectively. Zebco has been in the fishing business since 1949.
About Zebco Sports Europe
Zebco Sports Europe (www.zebco-europe.com), based in Tostedt (Northern Germany) is one of the largest and most successful producers of fishing tackle in Europe. With the Zebco, Rhino, Quantum and Browning Fishing brands, there are four world famous brand names to choose from. Zebco Sports Europe has branches in the UK and France, while many other European countries are supplied from the distribution headquarters in Germany. It is product development, stock availability and an overall professional service that make Zebco Sports Europe the No 1 partner for European anglers and dealers.
