Cadre Holdings (Cadre) has agreed to acquire Alien Gear Holsters and certain assets from Tedder Industries for $10.3 million through a court-supervised bankruptcy auction. Cadre is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of safety equipment and other related products for the law enforcement, first responder, military and nuclear markets. The Safariland Group is part of the company and home to many brands familiar to readers.
“This transaction represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a recognized holster brand with an established direct-to-consumer presence,” said Cadre President Brad Williams. “Alien Gear brings an experienced team with a customer-first mindset, and we are excited about the attractive business synergies and growth opportunities ahead. As always, the Cadre operating model will guide our execution, driving continuous improvement across our businesses and reinforcing our market leadership over the long term.”
Thomas Tedder began designing his first holster in 2010, shortly after an unexpected release of his handgun by the model he wore in a public parking lot. The positive feedback and growing demand resulted in the launch of Alien Gears Holsters in 2014, and the brand later became a leading manufacturer of proprietary holsters and gear for the consumer, law enforcement, military and security markets. It operates from a 70,000-square-foot facility in Post Falls, Idaho.
The company is a brand of Tedder Industries, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on Dec. 8, 2025. Cadre’s purchase is subject to bankruptcy court and regulatory approvals as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close, however, in the second quarter of 2026.
Cadre is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., and is leader in manufacturing and the distribution of safety products. The Safariland Group provides of a broad range of products designed for the public, military, professional and outdoor markets. Its widely recognized brand names include Safariland Armor, Duty Gear and Communications, Bianchi, Break Free, Hatch, Med-Eng, Identicator and NIK.
