In a Associated press release dated 12-29-07
Remington Arms Co. Inc. will acquire Marlin Firearms Co. in a deal that brings together two firearm companies founded in the 19th Century. Remington, acquired by Cerberus Capital Management in April, will add Marlin’s long gun, including shoulder arm designs and lever action rifles. Marlin’s lever action .22 repeater, now in the Model 39 , became the favorite of many exhibition shooters like Anne Oakley. Terms of the agreement for the privately held Marlin Firearms were not disclosed. A spokesman for Madison N.C. based Remington would not comment on where the company plans additional acquisitions.
Marlin was founded in 1870 by John M. Marlin, who worked at the Colt Weapons plant during the Civil War before opening his own shop to manufacture revolvers and derringers. “We knew it was time to find the right partner for Marlin to ensue our brands maintain their leadership positions and move into the next century” said Fran Kenna 111, chairman of North Haven -based company. Under the agreement, Robert Behn will remain president of Marlin. Remington was found in 1816. The deal will provide both companies to access to the areas that now are beyond their reach in the $4.1 billion industry, said Chris Donlack, senior vice president at the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade group. Remington will be able to tap into Marlin’s niche of lever-actions rifles and Marlin will be a part of a much larger company with a full line of shotguns, ammunition and rifles, Dolnack said.
This in my opinion has some good things. Better to have Marlin swallowed up Remington than moving the whole operation over seas or a foreign base company acquiring it. Hopefully it will produce some jobs here which is a benifit to all. It seems in todays world all the big companys are postureing themselves to go overseas or contract out cheaper labor. What does this all mean to you ? ……. YOUR THOUGHTS…………. Published Jan 11 2008, 11:10 AM by Stan Ware