Bass Pro buying Cabela’s

OMAHA, Neb. – Outdoor gear giants Bass Pro and Cabela’s will combine in a $4.5 billion deal announced Monday.

Bass Pro is paying Cabela’s shareholders $65.50 cash per share. The deal creates uncertainty about jobs in Cabela’s home state of Nebraska. The combined companies plan to keep some operations in Sidney and Lincoln, Nebraska, but it’s not immediately clear how many jobs might be lost.

Bass Pro CEO Johnny Morris says he hopes to continue growing the Cabela’s brand alongside his own Springfield, Missouri, based chain.

Cabela’s opened a store in Post Falls in 2007 . The chain also has stores in Boise and Idaho Falls. In Washington, Cabela’s has locations in Union Gap, Lacey and on the Tulalip Indian Reservation/SR, AP. More here (subscription).