GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) announced it has extended its inventory financing program with Bass Pro Shops through 2018. Bass Pro Shops, which owns boat manufacturer Tracker Marine Group, will use CDF funding to stock Tracker products in its 84 retail locations and to support programs for its network of independent dealers in North America. Bass Pro Shops has been a CDF customer for more than 25 years.

“We are extremely pleased to extend and expand our relationship with GE Capital for the next four years,” said Jim Hagale, president of Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine Group. “As we look to add more retail stores in the near future, our growth plans can be realized with the help of this commitment.”

Tracker Marine Group, which specializes in fishing boats and pontoons under the brands Tracker, Nitro, Mako, Sun Tracker and Tahoe, was founded by Bass Pro Shops in 1978.

”On behalf of the more than 20,000 Bass Pro Shops associates and the over 200 independent Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe and Mako dealers, we are looking forward to many years of growth and success along with GE,” said Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine Group. “We have trusted the leadership of GE Capital for over 25 years to help us become a better company.”

Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, enables dealers to stock a broad selection of new and used product. Manufacturers and distributors benefit from enhanced product flow and increased sales opportunities, and dealers obtain improved terms and credit availability.

“The Bass Pro Shops/Tracker team has done a phenomenal job in the marine industry with an extensive lineup of value-driven products,” said Bruce Van Wagoner, president of CDF’s marine group. “I’m proud of our long association with Bass Pro Shops and its independent dealers. We’re excited to continue to support the company’s goals.”

Bass Pro Shops operates 84 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 116 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world.