The latest acquisition news surrounds the purchase of BLACKHAWK! by global giant ATK. I’m a fan of BLACKHAWK! gear and of many of the ATK products (Federal ammunition, for example), yet I find myself somewhat apprehensive about this latest acquisition.
When a large conglomerate scoops up a great company like BLACKHAWK!, I wonder if the new corporate structure will squash the innovation and “out-of-the-box” thinking that the smaller company used to be successful. All too frequently we have seen this take place in tech acquisitions. I hope this will not be the case with BLACKHAWK!
As a side note, ATK also recently acquired tactical gear manufacturer Eagle Industries.
From ATK:
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has acquired Blackhawk Industries Products Group Unlimited, LLC, one of the most recognizable brands in the rapidly expanding security market. The acquisition of Blackhawk, combined with the recent acquisition of Eagle Industries, strengthens ATK’s position in tactical accessories and equipment for domestic and international military, law enforcement, security, and sport enthusiast markets. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“The acquisition of Blackhawk supports our strategy of expanding into adjacent lanes while leveraging ATK’s existing core competencies to deliver efficient growth and EPS,” said Mark DeYoung, President and CEO. “Blackhawk provides ATK with a leading tactical systems brand, an expanded portfolio of quality products, and additional design and development expertise for innovative tactical accessories. This acquisition significantly increases our presence and our potential in the growing domestic and international security markets.”
Blackhawk is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, and provides a comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading, high quality, tactical gear. The company operates manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Montana, and Idaho. Since its inception in 1993, it has become one of the most widely recognized brands for tactical, military, and law enforcement equipment. Blackhawk and ATK’s existing tactical accessories business will become a division of ATK’s recently formed Security and Sporting group.
“Blackhawk is proud to join forces with ATK,” said President and founder Mike Noell. “From the very beginning we have prospered by delivering on our promise to provide law enforcement, military, and security professionals with the highest quality products to help them effectively do their jobs in service to the nation. ATK shares our vision and we look forward to what our two great companies can do together.”
ATK is a global aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues in excess of $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
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