Shakespeare® Fishing Tackle Acquires


Shakespeare® Fishing Tackle Acquires XTOOLS® Fishing Accessory Business
Shakespeare to gain foothold in fishing tackle accessory market with the acquisition of XTOOLS


Columbia, SC – April 4, 2006 Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, a leading manufacturer of fishing rods, reels, kits and monofilament today announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of XTOOLS, LLC. XTOOLS is a leading supplier of innovative fishing tools that float.


Scott Hogsett, the President of Shakespeare, said “The acquisition of XTOOLS gives us a foothold in the fishing accessories market. One of the best things about this acquisition is that we can sell XTOOLS products to our traditional sporting goods retailers plus the broad base of marine dealers that carry our Shakespeare antennas.” Shakespeare will begin shipping XTOOLS immediately from their existing distribution center in Columbia, South Carolina.


XTOOLS’ unique products and packaging are designed in cooperation with ROBRADY DESIGN of Sarasota, Florida. “We are pleased to be partnering with an industry leader like Shakespeare and we look forward to designing more innovative products for America’s fishing enthusiasts,” commented Rob Brady, Design Director at ROBRADY.


XTOOLS complements Shakespeare’s assortment of quality branded fishing products and will provide a base from which the fishing tackle accessory business can grow. Shakespeare also owns the Pflueger® brand, known for high quality fishing reels, and the All Star® brand, recognized for premium graphite fishing rods.


Shakespeare Fishing Tackle is a division of K2 Inc., a premier, branded consumer products company for
Marine and Outdoor, Fishing, Team Sports and Action Sports enthusiasts.


Shakespeare® Fishing Tackle Acquires XTOOLS® Fishing Accessory Business
Shakespeare to gain foothold in fishing tackle accessory market with the acquisition of XTOOLS


Columbia, SC – April 4, 2006 Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, a leading manufacturer of fishing rods, reels, kits and monofilament today announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of XTOOLS, LLC. XTOOLS is a leading supplier of innovative fishing tools that float.


Scott Hogsett, the President of Shakespeare, said “The acquisition of XTOOLS gives us a foothold in the fishing accessories market. One of the best things about this acquisition is that we can sell XTOOLS products to our traditional sporting goods retailers plus the broad base of marine dealers that carry our Shakespeare antennas.” Shakespeare will begin shipping XTOOLS immediately from their existing distribution center in Columbia, South Carolina.


XTOOLS’ unique products and packaging are designed in cooperation with ROBRADY DESIGN of Sarasota, Florida. “We are pleased to be partnering with an industry leader like Shakespeare and we look forward to designing more innovative products for America’s fishing enthusiasts,” commented Rob Brady, Design Director at ROBRADY.


XTOOLS complements Shakespeare’s assortment of quality branded fishing products and will provide a base from which the fishing tackle accessory business can grow. Shakespeare also owns the Pflueger® brand, known for high quality fishing reels, and the All Star® brand, recognized for premium graphite fishing rods.


Shakespeare Fishing Tackle is a division of K2 Inc., a premier, branded consumer products company for
Marine and Outdoor, Fishing, Team Sports and Action Sports enthusiasts.