Johnson Outdoors Inc. today announced it has closed on the purchase of Jetboil, Inc., the world’s #1 brand of outdoor cooking systems. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first fiscal year of ownership. Details of the transaction will be included in the Company’s fiscal 2013 first quarter filings.

Jetboil, founded by cousins and co-inventors Perry Dowst and Dwight Aspinwall, emerged on the camping scene in 2004 with the launch of the award-winning Personal Cooking System (PCS) powered by proprietary FluxRing technology. The PCS ultra-efficient, lightweight design integrated a one liter pot, wind protected burner and heat exchanger into a single, push-button start unit that cut fuel use and cooking times in half compared to other canister stoves. Since then, Jetboil has broadened its technology and product offering to become the category leader in outdoor cooking systems and redefine consumer expectations for convenience, safety and ease-of-use. For more information, visit www.jetboil.com.

“Jetboil is a perfect fit with Johnson Outdoors – a premier brand known for pioneering innovation, outstanding quality and customer service excellence which brings exciting new technology and dimension to our camping and hiking product offering. While we share many of the same consumers and customers, both Johnson Outdoors and Jetboil have unique channel and geographic strength and expertise to further expand distribution and fuel growth in all brands – Eureka!, Silva and Jetboil. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to deepen and broaden our collective presence in the Specialty class of trade – the preferred channel for our targeted outdoor enthusiasts – where Jetboil is well-known, well-respected and strong,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Outdoors.

“I am pleased that Jetboil will enter its next chapter of growth within the Johnson Outdoors family of strong brands and heritage within the outdoor industry. I am personally gratified with what the Jetboil brand and team have accomplished over the past eight years, and look for significant new milestones to come with the benefit of Johnson Outdoors’ strong organizational foundation,” said Jetboil co-founder and CEO, Perry Dowst, who will transition to the role of Senior Advisor, supporting strategic R&D and new products.

Jetboil will become part of the Company’s Outdoor Gear business unit, which makes and markets the iconic Eureka! and Silva brands, and continue to operate from its facility in Manchester, New Hampshire.

ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak and Necky kayaks; Carlisle paddles; Extrasport personal flotation devices; Minn Kota motors; Cannon downriggers; Humminbird marine electronics; LakeMaster electronic charts; SCUBAPRO and SUBGEAR dive equipment; Silva compasses; and Eureka! tents. Visit us at www.johnsonoutdoors.com.

ABOUT JETBOIL, INC.

Since its inception in 2004, Jetboil’s category leading cooking systems have won numerous awards both inside and outside the outdoor industry. The proprietary FluxRing technology, at the heart of Jetboil cooking systems, defines efficiency, safety and ease of use and its introduction revolutionized the outdoor cooking category. Jetboil is committed to simplifying and personalizing outdoor cooking and fueling a world of exploration. Jetboil is the trusted and indispensable companion of those who push the limits of their endurance and the boundaries of their experience.

Images courtesy of Johnson Outdoors and Jetboil