Following the merger of Dynamite Baits into the Normark Rapala group there was been much intense trade speculation and rumour regarding the sponsorships and consultancies of a number of leading anglers who worked with Dynamite Baits but who had potentially conflicting interests with other companies under the same umbrella company: Advanced Carp Equipment (ACE) and Shimano for example.
Having recently announced the appointment of Iain Macmillan as a consultant it can now be revealed that Normark Rapala have claimed the biggest ‘scalp’ of them all as Terry Hearn will be leaving Drennan / ESP and increasing his role from a Dynamite Baits consultant to one also supporting the ACE carp brand and Shimano as part of what is rapidly becoming a major new team.
It is understood that Tel, arguably the top big carp angler of his generation, will be the main face of the ACE carp brand helping to drive it forward in what is a highly competitive market.
Also joining the wider Rapala Normark stable is another Dynamite-sponsored angler, former England international Mark Pollard, fuelling speculation that a new match/pleasure brand could be on the cards for the group.
‘Polly’ previously worked for Fox International and was the face behind the Fox Match brand – one which is about to be superceded by a new ‘Matrix’ match range following the appointment of Ricky Teale to the Essex-based outfit.
It has been a busy time in the trade for big name moves and with a number of companies looking to strengthen their position in a tough and apparently finite market there could be many more to come.
