Wright & McGill Co. announced this week that it has acquired the ice fishing gear manufacturer Shappell®. The company will transition to Eagle Claw® Shappell® immediately. Here is their full release about the acquisition:
Shappell offers primarily ice fishing gear such as portable ice shelters, sleds, and accessories, and is a perfect complement to Eagle Claw’s selection of year round fishing equipment. By offering a wider selection of ice fishing gear, Eagle Claw aims to become a complete source for ice fishing products and a one-stop shop for anglers of all seasons.
Developed and owned for 35 years by brothers David Shappell and Mark Shappell, the Shappell brand is a family owned and operated, American-based company that aligns with Eagle Claw’s values and mission to provide quality and affordable fishing equipment to anglers of every level.
President, Donn Schaible expressed “We are all very excited about this acquisition. Shappell not only brings hard goods to our already extensive line up of disposable ice fishing items, but Shappell has a long standing tradition of being a US manufacturer, as does Eagle Claw. Through our extensive distribution network and our common sales representation, we plan to rapidly expand our ice fishing business in the future.”
All Shappell sales and shipping functions will continue to flow through the Shappell office which is based in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Eagle Claw veteran sales representatives R.D.O. Marketing and Sokol & Associates, who are currently working with Shappell customers, will be joined by the rest of the Eagle Claw sales team to ensure the transition leading into the upcoming ice season is seamless.
“The acquisition of Shappell is a perfect fit for Eagle Claw,” said Mike Jackson, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our Company has worked over the last five years to bring a quality selection of ice products to the industry, and the addition of Shappell shelters and Jet Sleds will allow our sales team to significantly grow the fourth quarter business. There is a
clear-cut alignment between our marketing, product, and sales staff that will ensure the success of the purchase for us and our partners.”
