Smith & Wesson Independent Again

American Outdoor Brands Corporation (AOBC) has decided to split off Smith & Wesson as an independent publicly traded company. The transaction is expected to be completed later this year.

Smith & Wesson had been part of AOBC’s firearms “segment, while the outdoors segment included such brands as Caldwell, Crimson Trace, Wheeler and a number of other brand names.

With the change, Smith & Wesson—to include Thompson/Center—will be a separate company.

“I believe the board’s decision to spin off our outdoor products and accessories business will allow each company and its leadership to focus on its unique business characteristics and opportunities and to better drive long-term values for stakeholders,” said AOBC’s president and CEO James Debney.

Debney will remain at the helm of AOBC while Mark Smith will serve as CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Smith had been president of AOBC’s manufacturing services division.

Smith & Wesson Brands will include, as mentioned, Thompson/Center, plus suppressor maker Gemtech. Other brand names under the S&W umbrella include M&P and Performance Center.

In addition to its portfolio of firearms- and hunting-related products, AOBC will continue to produce licensed accessories under the Smith & Wesson, M&P, Thompson/Center and Performance Center banners.

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