Shimano buys full control of lure maker Jackall after 16-year partnership

What's the deal? ShimanoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired all shares in Japanese lure maker JackallDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the company announced on its Japanese website in October. The price was undisclosed. Jackall, founded in 1999 by lure designer Seji Kato, is known for innovative baits that catch pike, zander, and perch.

Why now? The two firms have worked together since 2010, with Shimano handling Jackall's sales, marketing, and distribution and co-developing bass rods such as the Poison series. The buyout turns that 16-year partnership into full ownership.

What's the endgame? Shimano gains strategic control and the chance for closer product development and distribution. It said it will "continue to respect the manufacturing philosophy that the company has cultivated" and "leverage the strengths of both organisations."

Jackall's prior owner, a Marubeni-backed investment fundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, had held the company since 2021, supporting overseas expansion and new ventures.

Why it matters: Shimano's fishing-tackle business is on a strong run. Nine-month sales rose 14.4% year over year and operating income jumped 72.9%, with robust demand across several markets. Locking in Jackall deepens an existing product relationship rather than merging strangers.

The signal: A major tackle maker converting a long-standing distribution tie-up into full ownership shows how incumbents are consolidating proven partners to control product pipelines as demand climbs. Specific changes to brands or operations have not been announced.

Read more: angling-international.com

Image credit: Generated with Gemini