Bass Pro Lands A Big One

Snaps up rival Cabela's in billion dollar deal

It was rumoured for months and came to fruition on Monday – Bass Pro is buying rival Cabela’s for $4.5B dollars. Cabela’s has 85 outlets, mainly in the western U.S. and Canada, while Bass Pro Shops has 99 stores and Tracker Marine Centers, primarily located in the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada. Bass Pro founder and CEO Johnny Morris said he hopes to continue growing the Cabela’s brand alongside his privately-held chain. Cabela’s was founded in 1961 when Dick Cabela started selling fishing flies through the mail from his kitchen table with his wife, Mary, and brother, Jim. Bass Pro got its start in 1971 when Morris began selling high-quality fishing tackle in his dad’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. Cabela’s at Park Place in Barrie opened in July 2014.