LOGAN, Utah (October 20, 2022) -- Al’s Sporting Goods, a full-line specialty sporting goods retailer, announced today the acquisition of Bob Ward & Sons, a sporting goods retailer based out of Missoula, Montana.

“We have approached this deal more like a merger than an acquisition,” said Jason Larsen, President of Al’s Sporting Goods. “We are thrilled to welcome the current staff to the Al’s family, and will work to preserve the Bob Ward & Sons name, reputation, and legacy throughout the state of Montana.”

Al’s Sporting Goods will take over operations of all five of the Bob Ward & Sons locations (listed below).
 
• 3015 Paxson St, Missoula, MT 59801
• 3011 Max Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718
• 1925 Dewey Blvd, Butte, MT 59701
• 3323 Dredge Dr, Helena, MT 59601
• 1120 N 1st St, Hamilton, MT 59840
 
“Montana is a gorgeous state, a great place to be in the outdoors and to do business in,” said Dustin Smith, vice president of Al’s Sporting Goods. “We are so excited to continue to build on the stellar reputation that Bob Ward & Sons has earned serving the people of Montana for over a century.”  

There are no plans to change the company name, however, Al’s Sporting Goods will integrate certain operations and processes that have proven successful in its Utah and Idaho stores. Through the strategic brand partnerships that Al’s Sporting Goods has with so many industry vendors and suppliers, it’s likely that many of the product lines currently offered at the Bob Ward stores will be expanded upon.   

“We have known the Ward family for years and are honored that they have entrusted us to continue their legacy,” said Larsen. “Similar to Al’s Sporting Goods, Bob Ward & Sons has been a family-owned and operated business that began over 100 years ago.  Bringing these two retailers together – we now have over 200 years of combined retailing experience.”

For more information visit www.als.com.

About Al’s Sporting Goods
Al’s Sporting Goods was founded in 1921 in Logan, Utah, by Alvin Moroni Larsen, who borrowed $500 using only a $10 Mexican coin and a handshake as collateral to purchase inventory for a cycling and fishing store. His shop, originally called Al’s Bike, has developed into the oldest full line sporting goods retailer in the state of Utah. Al’s Sporting Goods currently operates in Utah and Idaho, with more stores coming soon. Al’s Sporting Goods offers gear and clothing for "Every Sport. Every Season.", and a unique shopping experience rarely found in sporting goods stores. For more information visit https://www.als.com.