Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation shareholders have recently voted to change the company’s name to the exceedingly generic ‘American Outdoor Brands Corp.’ This new name change comes in response to SWHC’s increased efforts to diversify their offerings in the overarching outdoor industry, including their acquisition of companies such as Taylor Brands and UST Brands, companies which specialize in knives and tools and survival equipment, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is not completely abandoning the Smith & Wesson brand, which will continue to operate as its firearms division, while the recently acquired Crimson Trace will form at least part of S&W’s electro-optics division.
The name change comes in to effect starting January 1st, 2017, just in time for SHOT Show.
Below is the official press release from Smith & Wesson announcing the change.
Holding Corporation Will Become American Outdoor Brands Corporation
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC), today announced that its stockholders have overwhelmingly approved a change to the holding company’s name from Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation to American Outdoor Brands Corporation. The name change does not impact Smith & Wesson Corp., the name of the company’s firearms division, which has legendary roots dating back to 1852 and will remain unchanged. The name change pertains only to the holding corporation that acquired Smith & Wesson in 2001 and now owns Smith & Wesson Corp., Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., and Crimson Trace Corporation, which represent the company’s firearms, manufacturing services, accessories, and electro-optics divisions.
James Debney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Wesson, said, “We are excited about the results of today’s stockholder vote. We believe that American Outdoor Brands Corporation is a name that truly represents our broad and growing array of brands and businesses in the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast markets. Looking ahead, and operating as American Outdoor Brands Corporation, we intend to continue building upon our portfolio, focusing on brands and products that best meet the needs and lifestyle of our target consumers.”
The name change will be effective on or about January 1, 2017, at which time the company will adopt the common stock trading symbol “AOBC” for its NASDAQ stock exchange listing.
