5.11 Tactical has literally just announced the purchase of Beyond Clothing which includes the custom brand Beyond Tactical. This announcement comes right on the heels of Rick Elder’s move to 5.11 to spin up a new Special Operations focused business unit. So for you guys who kept asking me what Rick was going to do over there and how 5.11 was going to bring Berry manufacturing in and make that leap to the Elite customer, this is what I meant when I said that they had a plan. This is huge news and will affect 5.11 and how it is perceived in the market in untold ways.

Here is their press release –

5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of tactical gear, today announced its acquisition of Beyond, a highly technical performance clothing company that builds custom American-made apparel. The acquisition enhances 5.11 Tactical’s domestic manufacturing, product innovation and rapid prototyping capabilities, while providing Beyond with an expanded infrastructure to meet the global needs of the extreme purpose built customer, such as winter expeditionary teams, alpinists, and Special Operations communities. Industry veteran Rick Elder has been appointed as president of Beyond, which will continue to operate as a separate division of 5.11 Tactical in Seattle, Washington, while Beyond Founder Scott Jones will move into the role of chief designer.

“At 5.11 Tactical we are innovators who make purpose-built gear for the most demanding missions. Investing in Beyond’s continued growth is a prime opportunity to further our leading edge development,” said Tom Davin, CEO, 5.11 Tactical. “Rick Elder adds a unique set of capabilities to our 5.11 product development ecosystem. His U.S. Government, Military and Special Forces service will be a huge asset to the growth of our outdoor channel and our ability to be innovative.”

Rick Elder, a 13-year industry veteran, is charged with leading the rebranding and re-launch of Beyond, building upon the brand’s existing reputation and relationships. As part of the acquisition, 5.11 Tactical will leverage Beyond’s unique manufacturing to create leading edge, innovative products that drive deeper connections among U.S. Military and law enforcement professionals, as well as extreme outdoor enthusiasts.

An example of product innovation can be found in Beyond’s Cold Fusion Shock Jacket. Made from winterweight softshell, Scholler WB-400, this high performance product defines versatility. The Cold Fusion Shock Jacket is available in seven colors for men and women, and like all Beyond products, can be customized to the consumer’s specifications and delivered quickly.

“I’ve been serving the outdoor and tactical communities for more than 20 years, and am committed to take Beyond to the next level. Beyond is a brand that develops customized solutions for extreme users within the outdoor and tactical channels of trade,” said Elder. “5.11 Tactical has greatly enhanced its position by executing this acquisition—its infrastructure will help Beyond reach a global community, but still allow it a unique voice. ”

Elder formerly served as the executive director of Smith Optics Elite Division, where he led the development of the ballistic eye wear program. Prior to Smith Optics, Elder spent 10 years as a US Federal Program Manager, developing equipment in support of the United States Special Operation Command. Prior to, he attained the rank of Sergeant and later, Captain, completing his tour in 2001 within the 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Special Operations Command. Elder also served in the United States Army for seven years as both an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer.

For more information about 5.11 Tactical, please visit www.511tactical.com. Connect with 5.11 Tactical on Facebook at www.facebook.com/511Tactical and on Twitter (@511Tactical). For more information about Beyond, visit www.BeyondClothing.com.