
JOHNSON OUTDOORS ACQUIRES LAKEMASTER BRAND
Deal Includes Assets of
Waypoint Technologies & Pro Map Technologies
Racine, Wis. (July 11, 2011) Johnson Outdoors Marine
Electronics, Inc. today announced it has acquired the assets of Waypoint
Technologies, maker of LakeMaster,® the premier brand of high definition
electronic lake charts among Northern US anglers. The asset purchase includes
Pro Map Technologies, the LakeMaster® proprietary inland water survey techniques
and bathymetric data processing technology, providing future exclusivity of an
expanded portfolio of LakeMaster® digital maps for Humminbird® fishfinders.
Details of the transaction are not being released.
“We know that
whether you’re fishing for fun or in professional competition, it’s all about
catching fish,” said Kelly T. Grindle, Senior Group Vice President – Marine
Electronics & Watercraft for Johnson Outdoors. “That’s why we’re focused on
innovation that gives anglers a real and meaningful edge out on the water.
LakeMaster® is the perfect complement to our marine electronics portfolio which
is known for pioneering innovation like Humminbird® Side Imaging® Sonar
technology and the Minn Kota® i-Pilot™ for wireless hands-free steering and boat
positioning. Importantly, LakeMaster® joins us as a leading regional brand that
now will have the resources to soon expand its geographic mapping coverage and
realize its nationwide growth potential.”
Founded in 1992 by Mike Wood,
LakeMaster® has evolved into the recognized leader in electronic lake charts by
first combining highly accurate GIS data for inland lakes and waterways with
advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) and sonar technologies. LakeMaster®
charts and maps are built using unique on-the-water survey techniques to capture
high definition digital marine bathymetry and then employing proprietary data
processing technology to create detailed lake charts in one-foot depth
increments. LakeMaster® high definition 2D and revolutionary 3D shaded relief
charts are available through pc-based programs, computer software and Secure
Digital (SD) cards and sold through sporting goods, outdoor retailer and tackle
shop channels.
“We are pleased to join Johnson Outdoors Marine
Electronics, a business that values people and shares our commitment to winning
innovation, outstanding quality and customer service excellence,” said Mike
Wood, founder of LakeMaster. “They have a proven track record of leveraging
their significant product development, distribution and marketing strengths to
drive strong brands into sustained market-leadership positions. Importantly,
our combined technology platforms present new and unique opportunities to
enhance the fishing experience and bring excitement and growth to the
marketplace. We are very excited by the future.”
LakeMaster® will continue
to operate from its facility in Little Falls, Minnesota and be integrated within
the Marine Electronics business, which includes market-leading Minn Kota®,
Humminbird®and Cannon®brands, as well as Geonav®, a new venture into the
blue-water electronics market. Waypoint and Pro Map® staff will become Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics employees, utilizing the knowledge and know-how on
which the LakeMaster® brand was built to expand coverage areas, to develop new
innovative chart features, and for integration with the Company’s current and
future marine electronic technologies.
ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS MARINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
Johnson Outdoors Marine
Electronics, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT:
Nasdaq), consists of the Minn Kota®, Humminbird®, Geonav® and Cannon® brands. Minn Kota® is the
world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as offers a
complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers, trim tabs and marine
accessories. Humminbird®
is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo
units, ice flashers and digital depth gauges. Geonav® develops and
manufactures state-of-the-art integrated navigation systems and autopilots for
blue-water fishing and cruising yachts. Cannon® is the leader
in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and
accessories.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com
AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
DAVID
JOHNSON
VP
& CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
262-631-6600
CYNTHIA GEORGESON
VP - WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATION
262-631-6600
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