Al’s Sporting Goods, with three stores in Utah and Idaho, has acquired Bob Ward & Sons, an outdoor retailer with five locations in Montana.
Al’s Sporting Goods will take over operations of all five Bob Ward & Sons locations in Montana. The stores are in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Helena and Hamilton. Bob Ward’s was founded in 1917 and has recently been led by Chad Ward, president and great-grandson of the founder.
Al’s Sporting Goods, which also focuses on outdoors offerings, operates stores in Logan, UT; Orem, UT; And Idaho Falls, ID.
“We have approached this deal more like a merger than an acquisition,” said Jason Larsen, president of Al’s Sporting Goods, in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome the current staff to the Al’s family, and will work to preserve the Bob Ward & Sons name, reputation, and legacy throughout the state of Montana.”
“Montana is a gorgeous state, a great place to be in the outdoors and to do business in,” said Dustin Smith, vice president of Al’s Sporting Goods. “We are so excited to continue to build on the stellar reputation that Bob Ward & Sons has earned serving the people of Montana for over a century.”
There are no plans to change the company name, however Al’s Sporting Goods will integrate certain operations and processes that have proven successful in its Utah and Idaho stores. Through the strategic brand partnerships that Al’s Sporting Goods has with many industry vendors and suppliers, it’s likely that many of the product lines currently offered at the Bob Ward stores will be expanded upon.
“We have known the Ward family for years and are honored that they have entrusted us to continue their legacy,” said Larsen. “Similar to Al’s Sporting Goods, Bob Ward & Sons has been a family-owned and operated business that began over 100 years ago. Bringing these two retailers together – we now have over 200 years of combined retailing experience.”