Water sports brand Hobie acquired: production returns to US

Bass Pro Shops, through its White River Marine Group division, has acquired water sports brand Hobie. The agreement brings Hobie production back from Mexico to Lebanon, Missouri, in the US, close to the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops.

White River Marine Group, which distributes in more than 70 countries, owns several established brands, including Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Sun Tracker, Regency, Ascend, Tahoe, Triton, Mako and Hatteras. Hobie now joins this group, which the company says unites two long-standing names in the watercraft sector.

Johnny Morris founded Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, in 1972, beginning from a small space inside his father’s liquor store.

Hobie Alter launched his business in 1950 from his parents’ garage in California, initially building surfboards before expanding into sailing and kayak designs. Over his career he secured more than 20 patents related to watercraft design, including developments in pedal-driven kayaks.

Hobie products will now be manufactured in the US Midwestern state of Missouri. In a statement, the company notes that this move connects production to a region recognised for its outdoor heritage and manufacturing skills. Both Bass Pro Shops and Hobie products are sold internationally, with sales networks covering countries including Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and South Africa.

White River Marine Group states that Hobie dealers will benefit from additional resources through the acquisition.

“Uniting with Hobie is a very proud day in our company’s history. We extend Hobie Dealers a warm welcome to our White River family. We are deeply committed to Hobie and supporting its dealer network as we embark on a very bright future together,” said Morris, founder, and lead outfitter, and Bryan Niketh, president of manufacturing at White River Marine Group.

For more than ten years, Bass Pro Shops says it has contributed over 10 per cent of earnings to conservation initiatives.

“We’re proud to see Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group deepening their commitment to Missouri through this expansion,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This investment is strengthening the community of Lebanon while contributing to Missouri’s reputation as a prime destination for both business and outdoor adventure.”

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