Cabela’s has grappled with declining sales of apparel and footwear and has reported same-store sales growth in only one quarter in more than three years. Still, the company maintains a loyal following, with many customers willing to drive miles to shop at its stores, as well as dine at its restaurants and visit its shooting ranges.

The two retailers have at times also benefited from their significant hunting-gun businesses, but the industry has seen steep swings in sales amid uncertainty around gun laws.Both companies are closely associated with their founders, Johnny Morris at Bass Pro and Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela at Cabela’s. Dick Cabela died in 2014 and was succeeded by his brother Jim as chairman of Cabela’s.

Johnny Morris, who still owns a majority of Bass Pro, will be chief executive of the combined company.

Morris said he hopes to continue growing the Cabela’s brand alongside his privately-held chain.