Melbourne-based JM Gillies, distributor of Plano, Fins, Stumpjumper and various other well known products, will take over iconic lure brands including Classic Lures, Killalure, Bomber and Warlock in a major deal with John Millyard, owner of tackle company Basser Millyward.
Long-term Basser staffer Sam Baillie will take over distributorship of other key brands including AFTCO, Sabre and Sampo.
As well as the lure brands detailed above, JM Gillies will also take over distribution of remaining Basser products including Platil, Scotty, Superflex, Smilin’ Jacks, Pegron, Rebel, Heddon, Cotton Cordell and Arbogast.
JM Gillies said the integration of the newly acquired brands will now provide a complete offer for the Australian domestic market as well open up more opportunities for the company’s expanding international customers.
“We couldn’t be happier with the acquisition of some of the best Australian lure brands in the market,” said JM Gillies director and owner Pat Levy.
“These brands, as well as the integration of leading international brands, are an excellent fit into the JM Gillies business and will provide our customers with enormous choice and retailing opportunities.”
Fisho understands that John Millyard, a well-known tackle industry veteran, will now take up a development role with JM Gillies. “John’s vast experience will further enhance the current ranges while also working on many new and exciting products for the 2012-13 seasons,” a spokesman from JM Gillies said.
The new-look JM Gillies range will be officially launched to the tackle industry at the 2012 AFTA tackle show, to be held at the Gold Coast in August.
It’s understood that Sam Baillie will be establishing a new tackle company to distribute the brands he’s acquired from Basser Millyard, as well as other brands yet to be announced.
