Basser Millyard announces merger with JM Gillies Agencies

[Member]

Basser Millyard announces merger with JM Gillies Agencies
02 Jul 2012

Press Release

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Iconic Sydney-based tackle wholesaler, Basser Millyard ('BM'), has today formally announced its merger with JM Gillies Agencies in Melbourne.

Originally formed by partners Ron Millyard & Len Basser in 1953, BM has been supplying Aussie anglers with some of the world’s finest fishing tackle for nearly 60 years! For the past 43 of those years, the company has been headed by founder Ron’s son, John Millyard. It is with a degree of sadness that John is now passing the reigns over, however as he puts it himself “I have enjoyed being involved in the Australian tackle industry for most of my working life, and building Basser Millyard into a reputable company has certainly been a true passion. I am however really looking forward to working with Pat Levy and his Team.
”John is not retiring from the trade completely however, as he will be remaining on with JM Gillies in a consulting role, and will also be continuing with his commitments to recreational fishing and the tackle industry via his position on the AFTA board, as well as continuing to organise and co-ordinate the annual AFTA trade show. A number of the brands currently distributed by BM have been absorbed into the JM Gillies portfolio, and will be supplied via their Melbourne warehouse from 1st July 2012 onwards.

These brands include Bomber Lures, Classic Lures, Killalure, Superflex and more. A full list of the brands being merged with JM Gillies will be available at www.jmgillies.com.au.

Basser Millyard’s remaining portfolio has been taken over by the company’s Product & Marketing manager, Sam Baillie, who will be operating a new company; National Tackle Imports Pty. Ltd. As of 1st July 2012 National Tackle has taken over the distribution of several BM brands including AFTCO, Ande fishing lines, Sabre rods, Sampo swivels, Glowbait and Barrawear clothing among others. For further details, please contact Sam on 02 9695 7799.

Basser Millyard would like to sincerely thank its many loyal suppliers, dealers, media & trade partners and of course our end-consumers for their support and patronage over the past 60 years. John would also like to publicly recognise the dedicated efforts of BM’s longest serving team member of 44 years; General Manager, Bernie Wolford - who has himself become a true icon within the trade, and has been instrumental to the success of the company for over four decades.

We encourage you all to continue to support our iconic brands in their respective new positions within the JM Gillies & National Tackle businesses. For further details, please visit www.bassermillyard.com.au. Trade enquires can be directed to Bernie or Sam on ph: 02 9695 7799 who will continue to operate from BM’s current premises during an interim changeover period.