Expected Federal Trade Commission Opposition to Transaction Leads Great Outdoors Group, LLC and Rival Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. to Abandon Plans for Proposed Merger

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition Director Holly Vedova issued the following statement regarding the report that Great Outdoors Group, LLC and Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. have abandoned their proposed merger, which would have combined two close retail competitors selling hunting, shooting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor gear:

“Following an extensive 11-month investigation by FTC staff, Sportsman’s Warehouse reported that it has terminated its proposed $785 million sale to rival specialty outdoor goods retailer, Great Outdoors. Under its Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s banners, Great Outdoors competes closely with Sportsman’s Warehouse to offer customers a broad and deep in-store assortment of outdoor gear, alongside expert sales staff, creating a one-stop shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This competition has benefited customers in at least two dozen local markets throughout the United States. I am pleased that Great Outdoors and Sportsman’s Warehouse decided to abandon their proposed merger, which would have harmed consumers through increased prices, reduced product offerings, and diminished quality and service. I would like to thank staff for their excellent work on this case, as well as our partners in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Colorado, Iowa, and California for their assistance throughout the investigation.”