A group of investors led by Big Rock Sports Chairman Adrian Holler and Crystal Ridge Partners’ Jack Baron has formed Open Water Brands, a limited liability company that combines several saltwater fishing brands, including brands such as Clarkspoon, Sea Striker, Star Rods, Got-Cha, Calcutta, Billfisher, Krok, Beach Runner, Contour, and Nungesser.
The new entity stated that the brands “are combining their strengths to provide a unified approach to product availability, innovation, and development.”
Big Rock Sports was formed in 1996 after a group of investors led by Holler acquired All Sports, Carlson Sports and Henry’s.
Baron is the managing principal and founding partner of Crystal Ridge Partners, a private equity firm specializing in providing capital to middle-market companies in the eastern half of the U.S. He is also a member of the Board of Big Rock Sports.
Graig Zurn, former merchandise manager at Big Rock Sports, and Christian Bedsworth, a former global sourcing manager at Big Rock Sports, will run day-to-day operations as managing partners for Open Water Brands.
“This partnership represents more than a business move; it’s a shared vision for the future of these brands and the recreational fishing industry,” said Zurn.
Bedsworth added, “Open Water Brands will be committed to preserving the legacy of many of these brands that Dick Henry, founder of Henry’s Tackle, developed and will build upon the long-lasting and meaningful relationships that have defined these brands for decades.”
Image courtesy Sea Striker
