As speculation intensifies, Cabela's remains silent

While rumors and speculation about the future of Cabela’s intensify, the Sidney-based outdoor retailer has continued to remain silent.

However, despite the assertions of a news report from a TV station in Montana, Sidney Mayor Mark Nienhueser said the city has not been informed of a change in the ownership at Cabela’s.

“As far as we know, there’s nothing that’s true to it,” he said. “Cabela’s hasn’t said anything one way or the other.”

On Wednesday, KULR-TV reported an employee at a Billings, Mont., Cabela’s retail store said managers there had confirmed the company was being bought out.

But on Thursday, the story was amended to say the buy out was only a possibility.

A news director at the station did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

When asked about the rumor of a sale, Christine Wamsley, director of category marketing at Cabela’s, said she couldn’t comment.

“As a policy, we cannot comment on rumors or speculation,” she said.

Last month, an investment firm said it had purchased a significant stake in Cabela’s – Sidney’s largest employer. In documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Elliott Management Corp. said it wants the outdoor retailer to consider strategic changes.

Last week, Reuters, a news service, reported Bass Pro Shops may be exploring a possible bid to purchase Cabela’s.

This report contains material from the Associated Press.