Photo by Jerry Dilsaver The Torque Series is the latest and most innovative addition to the Penn International Line. Penn is now a division of Shakespeare.

Columbia, South Carolina - Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, a leading manufacturer of fishing rods, reels, fishing line and accessories announced on January 17, their acquisition of Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co.

Founded in 1932, Penn is the market leader in saltwater trolling and spinning reels and saltwater rods.

These products include the famous Penn International®, Senators®, GT, and GTO trolling reels, as well as Slammer® and Spinfisher® SSM and SSG spinning reels.

"For 75 years, Penn products have been the gold standard for offshore, inshore and surf fishing," according to Scott Hogsett, President of Shakespeare. "Shakespeare is excited to be able to add Penn's broad assortment of saltwater products to complement the current Shakespeare, Pflueger and All Star freshwater, inshore and saltwater offerings."

"We look forward to bringing to Penn the vast new product introductions and innovation that our customers have come to expect from Shakespeare and Pflueger each year. The Penn name is one of the greatest brands in fishing, but has lacked the resources to grow and develop markets. Our volume and economies of scale will allow us to reinvest in the brand and grow market share."

Shakespeare is a K2 Inc. company, a premier branded consumer products company with a portfolio of leading brands. The Shakespeare/K2 brands include Ugly Stick Rods, Ugly Braid Fishing Line, Cajun Line, X Tools, All Star Rods and Pflueger Reels.