German owned holding company, Umarex, announces the acquisition of Ruag Ammotec USA, maker of RWS airguns. The deal between Ruag Germany and Umarex was inked on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the IWA show which is Europe's largest exhibition of shooting, hunting and outdoor manufacturers.
The newly formed company, "Umarex USA", will market the RWS, Diana, and Mendoza lines currently being marketing by Ruag Ammotec as well as the substantial listing of premium Umarex airguns. The Umarex airguns will include world famous CO2 replicas under the Walther, Colt, Beretta and Smith & Wesson brands. It will also include a substantial listing of Airsoft replica guns. This move positions Umarex USA as one of the top suppliers of high quality airguns in North America.
In conjunction with the acquisition, Umarex USA names Adam J Blalock President and CEO. Blalock, a veteran of the airgun market, has enjoyed more than 18 years in the outdoor products industry including the President / CEO role at Daisy Outdoor Products and at PRADCO Outdoor Brands.
Other key executive appointments associated with the acquisition include the appointments of Richard Turner as VP Sales & Marketing, Lora Rice as Controller and John Miller as VP of Operations. "We could not be more excited about the RWS acquisition. The Umarex USA family of brands is a single powerful partner source for the high-end air gun market" said Blalock who then further commented "We are assembling a team who is focused on product quality, innovation, superior consumer marketing, and unequaled customer service. It is our goal to be the premier provider in the high-end airgun market". Eyck Pflaumer, Vice President of international sales for the parent holding company in Germany added, "We have enjoyed great success with U.S. consumers for many years and we look forward to improving upon this success with our own full service company dedicated to the North American market. Many exciting new product introductions are being developed specifically targeted for U.S. customers".
Umarex is a diversified German owned holding company. Manufacturing Subsidiaries include airguns, blank-firing guns, firearms and laser-based measurement and leveling instruments. Holdings include Walther, a firearms legend since 1886. Umarex also operates a chain of convenience stores in Germany. Umarex has been an expert in airguns for more than 33 years. Their airgun expertise stems from close association with Walther firearms.
