This rumor has been making the rounds for the past few days, but now it’s finally official: Smith & Wesson‘s parent company is acquiring suppressor manufacturer Gemtech.
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Details are scant at the moment, but the release issued today by American Outdoor Brands Corporation says Smith & Wesson Corp. will “acquire substantially” all of Gemtech’s assets. The deal will be done using cash on hand, with the transaction expected to close this summer. Ron Martinez, Gemtech’s president, will stay on as GM at the company’s Eagle, Idaho headquarters.
“Gemtech is widely recognized for producing some of the finest rifle and pistol suppressors in the market. Gemtech’s strong product development capabilities, combined with our experience in brand management and our manufacturing expertise, will help us to efficiently develop both firearms and suppressors, minimizing our time to market for both product categories,” American Outdoor Brands CEO James Debney said in a statement.
Aside from Smith & Wesson, American Outdoor Brands owns Crimson Trace, Battenfeld Technologies and Thompson/Center Arms, among other names. The addition of Gemtech, a noted maker of suppressors to military and law enforcement since 1976, tells us the company intends to make its presence felt with regard to the suppressor market.
“We view this acquisition as opportunistic, allowing us to enter the suppressor category, which resonates strongly with our core firearm consumer, at a time when the market is particularly soft. These elements combine to make Gemtech an excellent fit with our long term strategy,” Debney said.
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Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
