http://www.wsj.com/articles/smith-wesson-plans-name-change-1478562387A salesman holds a Smith & Wesson handgun and magazine at the Ready Gunner gun store in Provo, Utah, in June. The nation’s largest gun maker has been diversifying into the larger recreational market. ENLARGE
A salesman holds a Smith & Wesson handgun and magazine at the Ready Gunner gun store in Provo, Utah, in June. The nation’s largest gun maker has been diversifying into the larger recreational market. PHOTO: GEORGE FREY/REUTERS
By DOUG CAMERON
Updated Nov. 7, 2016 7:37 p.m. ET
54 COMMENTS
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., which traces its roots to 1852, plans a name change.
Next month, the nation’s largest gun maker
will ask shareholders to approve changing the name of its holding company to American Outdoor Brands Corp., though it will continue to use Smith & Wesson for its best-selling handguns.
Smith & Wesson formerly was owned by Tomkins PLC until it was acquired by Saf-T-Hammer Corp., which changed its name to Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. in February 2002.
The proposed name switch continues the push announced in January by Chief Executive James Debney to diversify into the larger recreational market that it has pursued by acquiring makers of hunting knives, flashlights and camping equipment.
“We believe the new name really better reflects our many brands and products and our growth strategy,” a spokeswoman said. The company would change its ticker symbol to AOBC from SWHC.
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Well, ain't that something to announce just today...
