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Chumash Capital Investments, LLC Acquires Azimuth Technology, LLC

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Chumash Capital Investments, LLC (“CCI”) announced today that it has acquired Azimuth Technology, LLC (“Azimuth”) from LongueVue Capital and Clavis Capital Partners. The transaction closed on August 31, 2020. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Azimuth is a premier manufacturer of tight-tolerance firearms components, with a focus on perfecting the industry’s most challenging parts, including handgun slides, handgun barrels and bolt carrier groups, for a diverse base of OEM and aftermarket customers. Through proprietary manufacturing techniques perfected by drawing on extensive experience in the medical device industry, Azimuth has developed a highly efficient production process that delivers exceptional product quality with absolute repeatability. Azimuth is headquartered in Naples, Florida.

LongueVue Capital is a New Orleans-based private equity firm that focuses on providing human capital, financial capital and a skill set built upon a successful 20-year track record of partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to drive value creation in middle market companies. The firm’s opportunistic investment strategy and creative deal structures provide the flexibility to partner with attractive businesses across a variety of industries and situations.

Clavis Capital Partners is a private investment firm in Dallas, Texas with deep experience in investing in, operating and growing U.S.-based industrial businesses. The firm provides flexible capital to make control investments in a broad range of strategically viable but capital-constrained, industrial-oriented companies.

Chumash Capital Investments, LLC, a wholly owned investment entity of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, directs economic development investments for the Chumash Tribe. It is capitalized to provide for acquisitions of companies and other opportunities that complement the growth strategy for the tribe. CCI continues to build economic security for its tribal members and future generations by maintaining and expanding a portfolio of sophisticated enterprises.

“The Azimuth team is thrilled to partner with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians as we embark on our next phase of growth in the firearms and defense industry,” said Azimuth’s CEO, Len Zaiser IV. “CCI’s acquisition of Azimuth provides a major opportunity to target government and foreign military opportunities while continuing to serve our customers with leading quality, speed and precision.”

John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, stated, “We are very excited to welcome Azimuth into the Chumash Capital Investments portfolio. This acquisition supports our goal of ensuring long-term economic stability for the Chumash Tribe while offering an attractive counterbalance to CCI’s existing hospitality and leisure-focused investments. We believe Azimuth is primed for continued rapid growth, and we look forward to partnering with the Company’s outstanding management team to help Azimuth reach its full potential.”

Houlihan Lokey acted as exclusive financial advisor to Azimuth, and Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal counsel to Azimuth. Horizon Business Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to CCI, and Holland & Knight acted as legal counsel to CCI. Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP served as legal counsel to CCI with respect to transaction financing matters. 

Team Wendy to be Acquired by Avon Rubber for $130 Million

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Transaction will create a global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets

CLEVELAND, OH (Sept. 9, 2020) – Team Wendy, LLC (“Team Wendy”), a leading U.S. supplier of exceptional head protection systems for military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure markets, today announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Avon Rubber p.l.c. (“Avon”) (LON: AVON) under which its subsidiary Avon Protection Systems, Inc. (“Avon Protection”) will acquire Team Wendy for a cash consideration of $130 million USD on a cash-free and debt-free basis, subject to a normalized level of working capital (the “Acquisition”). Together, Avon Protection and Team Wendy will create a global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets, following Avon’s acquisition of Ceradyne from 3M earlier this year.

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of Avon’s 2021 fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2020. It is subject to Avon shareholder approval, as well as U.S. regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

At the close of the transaction, Team Wendy will operate as a subsidiary of Avon from the Company’s current headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Team Wendy will continue to be led by its Chief Executive Officer Jose Rizo-Patron and its six department directors, who will all remain in their positions.

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for Team Wendy that will usher in new opportunities for our employees, our customers and our business partners,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, chief executive officer of Team Wendy. “We remain focused on our vision to save lives by providing the best for anyone wearing a helmet. Avon’s management team shares our vision for the growth and expansion of Team Wendy and, as such, we believe they are the right long-term partner for our customers, employees and other stakeholders.”

Avon Protection is the recognized global leader in respiratory and ballistic protection for the world’s militaries and first responders, with more than 1,200 employees in 12 global locations, around 70 percent of whom are based in the U.S. Avon has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

“The acquisition of Team Wendy is another important strategic step in the transformation of Avon Rubber into a leading provider of life critical personal protection systems,” said Paul McDonald, chief executive officer of Avon. “Team Wendy is a high-quality business with complementary liner and retention system technologies and established positions in Rest of World Military and First Responder helmet markets. Bringing Team Wendy into the same family with our existing Helmets & Armor business establishes Avon Protection as a global leader in Military and First Responder helmets, with an enhanced and broader product portfolio with stronger capabilities and routes to market.”

“We look forward to welcoming Team Wendy into the Avon family and working together to further develop head protection systems that prevent traumatic brain injury and to improve the performance and capability of our customers.”

“Team Wendy was founded to honor the legacy of my late daughter and improve head protection systems to prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss,” said Dan T. Moore, chairman, founder and principal owner of Team Wendy. “My family has always agreed that we would only ever sell Team Wendy if it was to the right partner. In meeting with the Avon leadership team and understanding their vision, it was clear to me that they would honor her legacy and help to drive continued and sustainable growth and innovation.”

General Dynamics Mission Systems and Dedrone Enter Strategic Partnership to Provide Counter-Drone Technology to Defense and Civil Customers

Friday, September 4th, 2020

FAIRFAX, Va. – General Dynamics Mission Systems and Dedrone, the market leader in airspace security, announced today their strategic counter-drone partnership, providing General Dynamics’ global network with access to Dedrone’s complete drone detection and defeat technology. As part of this strategic agreement, General Dynamics Mission Systems becomes a value-added reseller for Dedrone’s counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities and has made a significant equity investment in Dedrone. General Dynamics will exclusively supply Dedrone’s counter-drone technology to their global defense, civil government, intelligence, and critical infrastructure customers.

“The intrusion of private and restricted airspace by unmanned aerial systems is one of the fastest-growing threats facing our customers, and Dedrone’s counter UAS technology platform is the market-leading solution to defeat those threats,” said Chris Brady, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems and a newly appointed member of Dedrone’s advisory board. “We’re excited to partner with Dedrone to provide counter-drone capabilities to our global customer base.”

In the counter-drone technology market, Dedrone’s exclusive focus on C-UAS detection and defeat have enabled them to become the industry leader with the rare distinction of having production systems fielded and in operational use worldwide. The Dedrone C-UAS technology portfolio combines machine-learning software with best-in-class hardware sensors, electronic attack methods such as smart jamming, and defeat weapons to provide early warning, classification of, and mitigation against drone threats. Dedrone’s capabilities are used by hundreds of customers globally, including the U.S. military, allied and coalition forces, correctional facilities, airports, utilities, and corporations, as well as other public and private organizations.

“Dedrone is thrilled to be partnering with General Dynamics Mission Systems, a leader in building smarter mission-critical products and systems,” shares Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. “With General Dynamics, Dedrone’s technology will reach a broad, global customer base, opening opportunities to provide mission-critical airspace security systems to customers both in the U.S. federal and defense sectors, as well as their global critical enterprise security customers.”

dedrone.com

Wndsn Announces North American Distribution with Stately Asset Protection

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

German company Wndsn has announced that Stately Asset Protection will offer their High-Viz White Quadrant Telemeter, MIL/MOA Range Calculator and Telemeter Dog Tag. All products are about to be shipped and are due stateside by mid to late September.

Xentris Wireless Expands Product Portfolio to Include Ruggedized Warfighter Charging Solutions

Monday, August 31st, 2020

Addison, IL – Xentris Wireless, a leader in designing, engineering and manufacturing high quality, innovative wireless accessories, is proud to announce an expansion of its product development, testing and manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Addison, Illinois.

Through a series of recent strategic investments, Xentris Wireless has expanded its capabilities to include ruggedized charging solutions for the Warfighter. Xentris Wireless’s goal is to quickly deliver the best Soldier-accepted, safe charging solutions for the Warfighter by leveraging its knowledge of rapid consumer product development in conjunction with newly acquired knowledge of military power solutions.

“We are proud to announce the launch of our military product line – EXO Charge. Charging solutions for the mobile device industry is the foundation on which Xentris Wireless was built. Our name has become synonymous with high quality mobile accessories developed at the forefront of emerging technologies,” states David Bailey, President and CEO.

“As we move forward with EXO Charge, you can count on Xentris Wireless to deliver enhanced charging solutions that improve the agility of the modern Warfighter. Our focus will be solutions that make the Soldier faster, lighter and more lethal. EXO Charge will always be about providing the absolute best solutions for the Warfighter,” continued Bailey.

Xentris Wireless’s mission is to provide users the best charging solutions possible. The EXO Charge division will

For updates and additional information, visit www.exocharge.com.

BE Meyers & Co Recognized by Raytheon Technologies with Epic Award for Superior Performance

Monday, August 31st, 2020

August 31, 2020 (Redmond, WA) – Celebrating 20 years of partnership, Raytheon Technologies has recognized B.E. Meyers & Co. for supplier performance and a commitment to manufacturing excellence with their EPIC Award. The selection process evaluates more than 10,000 businesses and selects the top 32 subcontractors on the Raytheon Technologies vendor roster. EPIC Awards recognize a supplier’s overall Excellence in Performance, Innovation and Collaboration.

The B.E. Meyers & Co. Optoelectronic Systems team specializes in integrating infrared and visible laser modules into sensor pods for unmanned aerial systems, fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, integrated fixed towers and masts, remote weapon stations, and land-based vehicles. For more than 20 years, B.E. Meyers & Co. has provided Raytheon Technologies with pointing and illumination components for various platforms and applications.

“We have always relied on our strong partnerships to deliver the most advanced technology available,” said Matthew Meyers, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co. “We are committed to continued collaboration with Raytheon Technologies on new programs as we cooperatively advance and evolve capabilities in service to customers worldwide.”

Watch the video here.

For more information, please contact B.E. Meyers & Co. at info@bemeyers.com.

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics Receives Outdoor Life “2020 Editor’s Choice Award”

Thursday, August 27th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (August 27, 2020) – SIG SAUER Electro-Optics is pleased to announce the OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope has received the Outdoor Life “2020 Editor’s Choice Award” for Best New Spotting Scope.

The prestigious “Editor’s Choice” honor from Outdoor Life magazine is given to the best new products of 2020, across multiple product categories, after a rigorous testing and evaluation process. The official award noted that the OSCAR8 27-55×80 Spotting Scope featured, “excellent optics in a hard-wearing package,” with “tight, responsive controls, from the removable angled eyepiece to the rubberized center-barrel focus, and the sunshade seemed to glide as though mounted on ball-bearing tracks.”

Andy York, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics President began, “the OSCAR8 offers hunters and shooters our highest-powered magnification capabilities, along with durability, versatility, and the latest advancements in glass, coatings and technology, resulting in a superior performance that can be counted on in the field.”

The OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope combines extra-low dispersion glass with high light transmittance glass, a SCHMIDT-PECHAN prism, and fully multi-coated lenses to provide unmatched resolution, image contrast, color clarity, and image brightness. Also featuring Spectracoat™ anti-reflection lens coatings to reduce surface reflections across the entire visible spectrum for superior light transmission.

The OSCAR8 has a 45-degree angled eyepiece and comes equipped with a rotating tripod collar for multiple viewing angles, a variable power eyepiece (can be locked into place or removed to accept other variable or fixed power eye-pieces), fast focus adjustment, and ergonomic rubber armor for durability to accommodate setup and built specifically for hunters and shooters that demand the best in all-weather performance and durability in the field.

“We are honored to receive this top honor from Outdoor Life and have our continued advancements in product development recognized by our peers,” concluded York.

Franklin Armory Title 1 Mass Action Lawsuit!

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020

Minden, NV, July 29, 2020– Mass Action Lawsuit Against the California Department of Justice Over Its Refusal to Process Legal Sales of the Franklin Armory® Title 1® Firearm is Underway!

Franklin Armory® goes to great lengths and expense to bring quality products to market that people want. Franklin Armory® has designed, developed, and begun the manufacture of a new firearm — The Title 1® — that is California compliant but is neither a rifle, shotgun, nor pistol. Franklin Armory® has, and will continue lawfully taking preorders from buyers in the state.

Tens of thousands of Californians have already placed deposits on the Title 1® firearm so they could get one as soon as they become available. Franklin Armory® has made it a priority to deliver on these pre-orders to their customers – but we can’t – because CADOJ is unlawfully refusing to process the requisite paperwork.

In response to this inaction, the law firm of Michel and Associates, PC is preparing a Mass Action Lawsuit to represent those persons whom CADOJ has prevented from lawfully acquiring their firearm. If you have made a deposit and are unable to receive your firearm(s) because of defects in the CADOJ designed and maintained Dealer Record of Sale Entry System, you should consider joining this lawsuit. There are no fees or costs involved for participants.

Even though the possession of Title 1® does not violate California law, CADOJ has deliberately refused to process sales of the Title 1®. As a result, Franklin Armory® retailers cannot transfer Title 1® firearms to consumers because licensed dealers cannot submit their sales applications to CADOJ online. The state-mandated system, Dealer Record of Sale Entry System (“DES”,) does not allow for the transfer of certain firearms that do not meet the limited predefined identifiers in the DES System. It is an easy technical fix, but CADOJ has deliberately delayed the simple technical correction to allow this product to be sold.

The sale of Title 1® firearms are being blocked by biased CADOJ bureaucrats. CADOJ was made aware last year of the need to add an “other” category to facilitate Title 1® sales but refused to take this step. This technological barrier prevents licensed firearm dealers from proceeding with a sale, transfer, loan, or submission of information

to the CADOJ. The actual effect is that California firearm dealers cannot accurately submit the necessary information to the CADOJ for processing.

This, we believe, constitutes a violation of the CADOJ’s duty to accept and process all firearm applications and a violation of each purchaser’s due process rights. On behalf of the tens-of-thousands of people who put a deposit down to purchase the Title 1®, this lawsuit seeks to declare CADOJ’s conduct unlawful and to compel CADOJ and its agents to fulfill its obligations and process all Title 1® purchases that were made prior to any subsequent prohibitions, restrictions, and/or limitations.

To join the lawsuit or for more information, visit title1lawsuit.leverage.law