Nebraska

SPRINGFIELD, MO. AND SIDNEY, NEB. — Bass Pro Shops has agreed to acquire Cabela’s Inc. (NYSE: CAB) for $5.5 billion, or $65.50 per share of CAB stock. The merger brings together three of the nation’s top outdoor sporting brands: Cabela’s, which specializes in hunting; Bass Pro Shops, which specializes in fishing; and White River Marine Group, a Bass Pro Shops company that specializes in boating. The combined company will own 184 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Cabela’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the acquisition, which is expected to close in the first half of 2017. It was not immediately clear whether the deal would result in any store closures. Bass Pro Shops will also enter into a multi-year partnership agreement with Capital One, National Association, which will originate and service Cabela’s CLUB, the retailer’s co-branded credit card. The customer rewards systems for both retailers should be unaffected by the acquisition. The transaction will be completed through a cash merger and is subject to approval by Cabela’s shareholders, as well as regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs and Pamplona provided partial acquisition financing for the deal. Goldman Sachs has committed $1.8 billion, …