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B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Announces Jared Reston as Latest Brand Ambassador

Friday, February 12th, 2021

February 12, 2021 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Jared Reston to their team of Brand Ambassadors. Reston brings over 20-years of law enforcement experience, with over 16-years as full-time SWAT, and over 10-years as a trainer leading his company Reston Group, to B.E. Meyers and Company’s team of Brand Ambassadors.

“I am proud to be named in the same sentence as B.E. Meyers & Co., Chuck Pressburg, Bill Blowers, and the rest of the Brand Ambassador team,” said Reston. “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was one of the early agencies to adopt the MAWL™, and I’ve been a believer ever since. I run MAWL on everything for several reasons: I’m a lefty and the ambidextrous controls are a huge advantage for me; I’ve never run out of distance with the MAWL, even at 500-yard engagement Special Precision Rifle engagements; and I’ve never found the edge with a MAWL – it’s like turning on the lights in any engagement. It’s great to be associated with a brand like B.E. Meyers & Co. that makes products for you and the guys you respect.”

Reston began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2000. In 2004 Reston became a member of JSO’s full-time SWAT Team, where he trained in waterborne insertion and interdiction, K9 tactics, CQB, explosive breaking, less lethal, sniper, and assault tactics. Additionally, Reston served as an assigned Detective in the Department of Homeland Security/ Gang Investigations unit, and as the assistant team leader, and lead firearms instructor for the SWAT team. His career includes the successful completion of over one thousand SWAT missions.

In 2008, Reston was involved in a shoot-out with a shop lifter. Although Reston was hit seven times, he was able to return fire, ending the encounter and the effectively stopping the shooter. “Luck made the bullets not kill me, mindset kept me in the fight, skill made me win,” said Reston. For his bravery and skill, Reston was awarded The President of the United States’ “Medal of Valor”, American Police and Hall of Fame’s “National Police Officer of the Year”, Fraternal Order of Police’s “Florida Police Officer of the Year”, and the State of Florida’s “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

While traveling the country and recounting this incident, Reston came to realize officers did not have the same multi-faceted training that had saved his life. This observation was the catalyst for Reston to found Reston Group, LLC, a training company focused on sharing his knowledge and experience in resolving lethal force incidents to help law enforcement, military, and responsible citizens sharpen their mindset, skills, and ultimately help save lives.

“Jared has provided both invaluable training and feedback on one of our core small arms solutions, the MAWL. His level of knowledge and expertise elevate him within the community of subject matter experts,” said Matthew Meyers, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co. “We’re excited to add Jared to our team of Brand Ambassadors.”

Reston now works for Safariland, LLC as an Account Manager, in addition to his role as Founder and Lead Trainer of Reston Group, LLC.

www.bemeyers.com
www.restongrouptraining.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Announces Jared Reston as Latest Brand Ambassador

Updated – CZ Group Announces Purchase of Colt

Friday, February 12th, 2021

CZ Group posted the following announcement to social media.

We are very pleased with another important milestone in the history of the CZ brand. Our parent group CZG has agreed on purchase of the American small arms manufacturer Colt. After the completion of the transaction, the legendary Colt brand will become the new sister company of CZUB.

No word on any US government oversight on the deal, considering government small arms contracts, ~~nor the status of a possible, associated purchase of~~ Colt Canada which could have immediate effects on the upcoming DND pistol tender.

Update: CZ stated they have purchased all the shares in Colt Holding Company LLC, the parent company of Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC and its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corp.

Regardless, the deal should breathe some much needed life into the iconic American brand.

Update:

CZG – Ceská zbrojovka Group SE to acquire Colt

West Hartford, CT, February 12, 2021 – Colt Holding Company LLC (“Colt”) hereby announces that on February 11, 2021, it executed a definitive agreement to be acquired by CZG – Ceská zbrojovka Group SE (“CZG” or “the Group”) Colt is the parent company of U.S. firearms manufacturer, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC as well as its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the definitive agreement, CZG shall acquire a 100% stake in Colt for upfront cash consideration of $220 million and the issuance of 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock. The agreement also provides for potential earnout consideration of up to 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock if defined EBITDA thresholds are achieved in years 2021 – 2023.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Lubomír Kovacík, President and Chairman of CZG, said:

“This merger is a strategic step for both companies. The acquisition of Colt, an iconic brand and a benchmark for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets globally, fits perfectly in our strategy to become the leader in the firearms manufacturing industry and a key partner for the armed forces. We are proud to include Colt, which has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army for over 175 years, in our portfolio. We believe in the successful connection of our corporate cultures, the proven track record of the current management team and the complementary nature of the CZ and Colt brands. The combined group will have revenues in excess of USD 500 million and presents a real small arms powerhouse. The experience of CZ and Colt management will further strengthen both brands and ensure CZ and Colt continue to deliver top quality products and solutions to all our customers.”

Dennis Veilleux, President and CEO of Colt, agreed: “We are very pleased with the prospect of such a strategic combination. Having completed a historic turn-around of the operations and financial performance at Colt over the past five years, this important next step with CZG positions the company to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. We are excited to join forces with CZG which will be a powerful combination for both brands and for our customers.”

The acquisition is to be financed from CZG’s existing cash resources, including recent IPO proceeds, and from a contemplated bond issuance by CZG.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021.

With this strategic move, CZG will acquire significant production capacity in the United States and Canada and substantially expand its global customer base. Colt is a traditional supplier to global military and law enforcement customers. Among others, Colt is a long-term supplier to the U.S. Army (which relationship dates back over 175 years) and, through its Canadian subsidiary, Colt is a designated exclusive supplier of small arms to the Canadian military.

Posted in Industry | 31 Comments »

AMMO, Inc Executes Letter of Intent to Acquire GunBroker.com

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 11, 2021 — AMMO, Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW ) (“AMMO” or the “Company”), a premier American ammunition and munition components manufacturer and technology leader, is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) dated February 9, 2021 with IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business (GunBroker.com), the world’s largest on-line auction marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. The Transaction will involve a merger or business combination resulting in GunBroker.com becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMMO (the “Transaction”).

GunBroker.com Transaction

• GunBroker.com is the world’s leading online marketplace for the legal sale of firearms, ammunition and accessories with over 6.0 million registered users

• GunBroker.com’s estimated 2020 revenue of approximately $60 million, over $40 million of EBITDA, positive net income and strong free cash flow

• Purchase price of approximately $240 million, representing a purchase price to EBITDA multiple of less than 6.0x

• Transaction further expands upon AMMO’s vertical integration strategy

• Current AMMO shareholders will own the majority of the combined company

“This Transaction is accretive to our shareholders and will be another vertical integration milestone for the Company which diversifies our revenue base with high profit-margin business offered through a premier brand deploying best-in-class secure transactional technology,” said Fred Wagenhals, AMMO’s Chairman and CEO.

Mr. Wagenhals noted that “we founded AMMO to be a disruptive technology-based company that could serve the shooting community with cutting-edge ammunition offerings, whether that be for the military, law enforcement, hunting or recreational shooting communities. GunBroker.com is a perfect fit and supports AMMO’s mission across many levels. Steve Urvan had the foresight and entrepreneurial drive to start GunBrokers.com more than 20 years ago with the same spirit and vision. With his drive and intimate understanding of how to serve our collective market, Steve created the world’s largest online marketplace for the purchase and sale of firearms, ammunition, and accessories.” Mr. Wagenhals explained that “the combination made sense to our management team and Board as it expands our ability to best ensure the retail market continues to be served at the highest level while affording AMMO with an opportunity to enhance its sales channels, operating margins and drive increased shareholder value.”

Steve Urvan commented: “I am excited at the prospect of bringing the GunBroker.com technology platform, marketplace, and my world-class team to the AMMO family of companies. GunBroker.com has long been the technology leader in the industry and we look forward to continuing to build innovative products and solutions for our expanding and loyal customer base.”

Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the parties intend to sign a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) and work expeditiously to close the Transaction on or before March 31, 2021. The final structure of the Transaction will be determined by the parties following the receipt of tax, corporate, and securities law advice. GunBroker.com’s enterprise value in the Transaction has been valued at approximately $240 million, which will be paid by the Company via a combination of cash and shares of common stock.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the following: completion of mutually satisfactory due diligence, execution of the Definitive Agreement, successful completion of a capital raise, and receipt of all required corporate and third-party approvals, including fulfillment of all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the Transaction.

No assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a Definitive Agreement, or that the proposed Transaction will be closed on the terms and/or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. As noted above, the Transaction remains subject to a regulatory and Board approval, along with other customary conditions.

Maxim Group LLC served as sell side advisor to IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Blue Force Gear Expands Laser Cutting Capacity to Meet Industry Demand

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

BFG is poised to immediately license and produce patented Helium Whisper™ attachment technology to manufacturers with increased laser cutting capacity.

Savannah, GA – 11 February 2021

Customers and Industry Partners have spoken, BFG listened. In response to overwhelming demand from military, first responder, commercial and third-party manufacturers Blue Force Gear has invested to expand laser cutting operations. Not only have more cutting machines been purchased but additional team members have been brought on staff to support 24-hour seven day a week operations. Since 2012, Blue Force Gear has been licensing Helium Whisper technology to industry partners like Velocity Systems, Safariland and other premium brands.

With multiple US and International patents and patents pending, the Helium Whisper® Attachment System is recognized across the globe by manufacturers and end users alike. The design and materials of the Helium Whisper Attachment System allows for up to a 70% weight savings over traditional MOLLE systems with the same or greater strength. The system also allows for significantly less bulk over legacy pouches.

“Laser cutting is the future. We’re able to cut patterns for gear, like the one-piece Helium Whisper backer, that were never before possible.”
-Alec Coin, Laser Production Manager

The Helium Whisper Attachment System was designed and commercially released in 2011 by Blue Force Gear. Since then, Blue Force Gear has been revolutionizing how MOLLE pouches and accessories were previously imagined with the introduction of ULTRAcomp®, a radical new laminate with numerous innovative characteristics like increased strength, superior abrasion resistance and immunity to staining and liquid absorption. Manufacturers who take advantage of this technology receive the benefits of simplified manufacturing, less material waste, less production time per piece and greater piece to piece precision. These benefits can be easily obtained through Blue Force Gear’s streamlined, simple licensing process.

“As ‘Lighten The Load” has received focus from DoD and Congress, more and more equipment manufacturers are adopting Helium Whisper to meet stringent weight reduction requirements. Helium Whisper is increasingly mentioned by name as the go-to solution and our licensing program is making it easy for other gear makers to remain competitive.”
– Doug Duggan, Director, OEM & International Sales.

Contact Blue Force Gear today to start producing pouches with the lightest, most elegant MOLLE attachment system in the industry.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Blue Force Gear Expands Laser Cutting Capacity to Meet Industry Demand

Premier Body Armor Announces Jason Mammano’s Promotion to Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021

GASTONIA, N.C. – February 9, 2021 – Premier Body Armor is proud to announce that Jason Mammano has joined the team as Premier Body Armor’s new Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Mammano’s new role sets the stage for an increased presence for the company across the industry.

“I’m thrilled to have Jason join our team full-time as VP of Marketing,” said Frank Stewart, President of Premier Body Armor. “He is not only a friend, but also a vital and creative mind on our team as well as a leader in all our marketing efforts. I am confident in his promotion and know that he is going to help us get to the next level. We are seeking to innovate armor solutions into everyday life, a mission that Jason is already actively helping us achieve.”

“We are very excited to have Jason join the PBA team,” Alex Stewart, Premier Body Armor’s Vice President of Business Development said. “Jason has been instrumental in shaping the marketing strategies of Premier Body Armor and is an asset to the company. His new role will allow us to build partnership with more companies, do more with event sponsorship, and to grow our Pro Staff and affiliate team.”

Mammano (left, with Alex Stewart in the image below) is no stranger to Premier Body Armor. His experience in information systems and analytics made him a valuable asset for Premier Body Armor in a behind-the-scenes role. After two decades of educational instruction, Mammano has made the transition away from his advisory role to assume the new role as Vice President.

“Premier Body Armor builds armor for every-day life,” said Mammano. “I’m excited to increase my role with Premier. This is not a job; it’s a family. My new role allows me the opportunity to make a difference for people who need protection when it matters most. Together, we’ll be able to take Premier’s life-saving armor solutions to a whole new level.”

Learn more about Premier Body Armor and their complete line of off-body inserts and new low-profile body armor at premierbodyarmor.com.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Premier Body Armor Announces Jason Mammano’s Promotion to Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Remington Websites Are Up

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021

Remington.com is for ammunition and RemArms.com is for firearms.

Posted in Ammo, Firearms, Industry | Comments Off on Remington Websites Are Up

Amp Human Announces Strategic Partnership with Anda Elite Human Performance

Tuesday, February 9th, 2021

Park City, UTAH February 9, 2021– Amp Human, a Park City-based human performance company has teamed up with Anda Elite to accelerate its current traction within the United States military. The partnership will focus on the adoption of Amp Human’s flagship product PR Lotion as a key performance and recovery tool for tactical athletes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Anda Elite to bring our human performance products to the United States allied military forces,” said Jeff Byers, Amp Human CEO. “We have strong traction within the US Department of defense and this partnership will expedite the military adoption of our products and support more tactical athletes.”

Anda Elite Performance was founded with the sole purpose of bringing best in class human performance/optimization, nutrition, recovery, and neurological products to the military/LE and sports communities.

“The Anda Elite team is excited to add Amp Human to our portfolio of forward-thinking human performance companies,” said Co-Founder, Matt Joyner. “We are looking forward to partnering with the Amp Human team to bring their innovative products to tactical athletes within US-allied military forces.”

To learn more about Amp Human, visit here. To learn more about PR lotion, visit here.

For more information on Anda Elite, visit here.

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Shoot Like A Girl Welcomes Back Returning Corporate Partners in 2021

Friday, February 5th, 2021

ATHENS, Ala. – February 2, 2021 – Shoot Like A Girl is pleased to welcome back more than 38 corporate partners for the much-anticipated 2021 Home of the Brave Tour. Returning sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Beretta, Bushnell, GLOCK, Ruger, Colt, Magpul, Savage Arms, Springfield Armory, Walther, FN America, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, TrueTimber, Walker’s, Birchwood Casey, Mossberg, CrossBreed Holsters, Thermacell, Black Rifle Coffee Company, GTM, SABRE, Archery 360, Bowhunting 360, SOG, Women’s Outdoor News, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Primos, Gold Tip Arrows, Hoppe’s, Federal Ammunition, Mathews, Hoyt, S & S Outdoors, ALPS OutdoorZ, LaCrosse Footwear and Upper Canyon Outfitters.

“We’re so honored to welcome these incredible partners back as we launch into our Home of the Brave Tour which starts next month,” said Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl. “In the midst of a challenging year in 2020—and in spite of ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, civil unrest and political uncertainty—Shoot Like A Girl had an incredible year of growth, and these partners played a big role in that. We’re excited to make history again in 2021 and see even more women become empowered with confidence as they begin their journey in the shooting sports.”

Empowering Women in 2021

The Shoot Like A Girl experience is truly unique, giving women the opportunity to shoot a pistol, rifle and bow in a safe, controlled environment with the guidance of female NRA-certified instructors and archery coaches. In 2020, the tour included stops at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, conservation events

and corporate events—with several events having lines out the door and record numbers of attendees. Looking ahead to the 2021 Home of the Brave Tour, Shoot Like A Girl is anticipating continued momentum from the previous year. The tour will begin in early February, and a full event schedule is available online.

More information about Shoot Like A Girl’s mission, partners, resources and event schedule is available at ShootLikeAGirl.com. Additionally, fans are encouraged to follow Shoot Like A Girl on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for news, instruction, information and much more.

About Shoot Like A Girl

As a leader in the industry, Shoot Like A Girl is committed to growing the number of women who participate in the shooting sports by empowering them with confidence. The Shoot Like A Girl trailer, utilizing InVeris Training Solutions state-of-the-art military grade firearm simulator, travels to cities all across the United States, hosting an interactive experience that gives attendees an opportunity to shoot pistols, rifles and bows in a fun, safe and comfortable atmosphere. The event is free to each guest thanks to Shoot Like A Girl’s generous corporate partners, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Beretta, Bushnell, GLOCK, Ruger, Colt, Magpul, Savage Arms, Springfield Armory, Walther, FN America, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, TrueTimber, Walker’s, Birchwood Casey, GPS Bags, TekMat, Dead Down Wind, Mossberg, CrossBreed Holsters, Thermacell, Black Rifle Coffee Company, GTM Original, SABRE, SOG, Women’s Outdoor News, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Primos, Gold Tip Arrows, Hoppe’s, Federal Ammunition, Mathews, Hoyt, S & S Outdoors, LaCrosse Footwear, Moultrie Mobile and Upper Canyon Outfitters.

Posted in For the Ladies, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Shoot Like A Girl Welcomes Back Returning Corporate Partners in 2021