Birmingham-based PRADCO acquires Kent Outdoors

Birmingham-based PRADCO Outdoor Brands, a subsidiary of family-owned EBSCO Industries, Inc., is the largest company in the world that manufactures and markets major hunting and fishing brands and products under one parent organization—and today, it just got a little bigger.

On October 1, PRADCO announced the acquisition of Kent Outdoors, a portfolio of established brands serving watersports enthusiasts and marine safety markets. Read on to learn more about Kent Outdoors and what the aquisition means for PRADCO.

A new addition to PRADCO Outdoor Brands

Founded in 1959, Kent Outdoors serves watersports enthusiasts through a collection of well-known watersports and marine safety brands, including:

According to a press release, Kent Outdoors will retain its existing leadership team while PRADCO supports product development and additional brand acquisitions in the watersports and marine safety categories.

“Joining PRADCO Outdoor Brands marks an exciting and strategically significant opportunity for Kent Outdoors. Our organizations share a disciplined commitment to innovation, trusted brands, and delivering exceptional products. PRADCO’s long-term investment philosophy and proven approach to building consumer brands aligns perfectly with Kent’s mission to create products that provide more opportunities in, on and around the water. Together, we are positioned to accelerate growth, expand our reach across our diverse customer network, and invest even more deeply in creating the very best branded products in watersports.”

CJ Vlahovich, President, Kent Outdoors

The deal with Kent Outdoors represents PRADCO’s first investment in the watersports and marine safety categories, expanding its portfloio beyond its existing hunting and fishing brands like:

• Moultrie
• Summit
• Whitetail Institute
• Heddon
• BOOYAH
• YUM
• Bobby Garland

“PRADCO’s investment and brand management approach is grounded in a long-term, generational view. Kent Outdoors is managed by a talented and dedicated team, and the brands represented in the Kent portfolio are trusted across a wide spectrum of watersport activities. We are excited to partner with the team and help write the next chapter of growth for these storied brands.”

Robert Schoenvogel, President, PRADCO Outdoor Brands