Safariland Parent Company Announces Acquisition of Alien Gear Holsters

by
posted on April 9, 2026
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Safariland 1

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.

Latest

Making B&P Shotshells 1
Making B&P Shotshells 1

Making Baschieri & Pellagri Shotshells

Italy is known for its many makers of fine-quality shotguns, but what many might not known is that Italy is also home to one of the industry's top manufacturers of shotshells for hunting and sporting use: Baschieri & Pellagri.

Rifleman Interview: Volquartsen Firearms

Several of Volquartsen’s excellent rimfire firearms were on display at “Plinkapalooza” earlier this year.

Army Purchases EOTECH Electro-Optics

EOTECH recently announced that the U.S. Army had purchased 14,000 of its lasers, holographic optics and magnifiers for use on the military's M7, XM8 and M250 platforms.

A Shorter 2011: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS

In its latest 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS model, Springfield Armory has combined features from its Standard Prodigy and its Prodigy Compact models.

Going the Distance: Winchester's New Supreme Long Range Ammunition

Winchester’s new Supreme Long Range ammunition means it’s now easier to “go long” when on the hunt for game.

36 New Rifle Suppressors for 2026

Today's suppressor makers have developed a host of new rifle suppressors that reduce weight and overall length while still offering impressive sound reduction.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.