What was the relationship between Johnson and Abu Garcia?

An email that I sent to Abu Garcia via their web-site contact form follows:

I am writing a detailed specialized historical picture book about the Golden Age of the Spin-cast reel. I have questions regarding any information of possible patent-sharing or collaboration in the design of vintage spin-casting reels made by Johnson and those made by Abu Garcia. The similarities between the designs and early products as well as those that evolved later are very close. I have interviewed employees who worked at the original Johnson plant during those days--who have their own ideas about this, but I do not have anything very concrete yet. I'd like to get this information right. If someone in the know regarding the historical facts regarding this can be accessed, I'd love to hear from them. By-the-way, I am a life-long, second-generation user of Abu Garcia products.
Best Regard, Doug (PapaD Wright)

I have not received a reply.

 

Comments

[Jeff Turner]

SABRA not SANGA