Smith & Wesson Buys Battenfeld Technologies

by
posted on December 8, 2014
** 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. **
battenfield.jpg

In a bold, surprise move into the accessory business, publicly traded Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. signed an agreement on Nov. 26, 2014, to acquire Battenfeld Technologies for $130.5 million. Never heard of Battenfeld? Odds are you are familiar with brands that fall under the Columbia, Mo., company's umbrella, which include Caldwell Shooting Supplies, Wheeler Engineering, Tipton Gun Cleaning Supplies and Lockdown Vault Accessories, among others. The cash deal will deliver to Smith a thriving accessories and innovation company with top distribution through retailers such as Cabela's, BassPro Shops, Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods, as well as through smaller storefronts and online giants, including MidwayUSA and Amazon.com.

"Battenfeld Technologies provides us with a unique opportunity to acquire a thriving company that fits perfectly within our core firearm business," said S&W President and CEO James Debeney in a Nov. 26 release. "It also allows us to move more strongly into the hunting vertical as well as establish a strong platform for growth in our existing firearm accessories business, which has been a small but highly profitable part of our company."

"We are very excited to join the team at Smith & Wesson, said Battenfeld's President Jim Gilandis. "At Battenfeld Technologies, we have built a robust hunting and accessories business based upon our premium product quality and innovation. We believe that makes us a perfect fit for Smith & Wesson, a legendary company with an iconic brand, world-class products, and broad markets that span consumer, law enforcement, and international channels. Together, we have the opportunity to further expand our business and achieve a new level of success."

Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA created Battenfeld back in 1994 to be a technology and idea company. Midway had developed many useful, affordable shooting accessories and tools, but if they were branded "Midway" the Potterfields believed other distributors and retailers would be unlikely to offer even the best products bearing a competitor's name. The Potterfield family sold Battenfeld to Clearview Capitol, a private equity company, in 2012 for an undisclosed amount. In addition to the brands started by the Potterfields, Battenfeld has since acquired accessory companies Bog-Pod and Golden Rod. Ironically, Safe-T-Hammer, which changed its name to Smith & Wesson Holding, acquired the Springfield, Mass., gunmaker started in 1852 in 2001 for a mere $15 million.

Latest

Double Stack 1911 Web Main
Double Stack 1911 Web Main

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Legislators Enjoy Afternoon Of Clays With Benelli USA, Among Others

A bipartisan group of Maryland state legislators met with firearm industry manufacturers and representatives for a day of clays shooting while also attending discussions on the positive economic impacts of the shooting sports.

2025 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Winchester .21 Sharp

For continuing to innovate, particularly in a corner of the ammo world that has seen very little recently, we named the Winchester .21 Sharp as our Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Rifleman Review: Hammerli Arms Force B1

The Hammerli Arms Force B1 is one of the most versatile rimfire rifles on the market, providing room for accessories, allowing for a personal stock fit and even offering caliber-interchangeability.

New For 2025: CZ Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition

CZ-USA has enhanced its Scorpion 3+ pistol-caliber carbine yet again with a slate of factory-installed Magpul components and accessories.

Summer Suppressor Deals On Now

Whether it is a BOGO deal from SIG or free tax stamps from Guns.com and Silencer Central, there's plenty of hearing-safe savings to be had this summer.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.