Remington Arms to acquire Marlin Firearms
AP via News & Record ^ | 12/27/06 | AP

Madison, NC based Remington Arms Co. Inc. will acquire Marlin Firearms Co. in a deal that brings together two firearms companies founded in the 19th century that serve a range of customers from police to hunters.

Remington manufactures guns and ammunition for hunting, law enforcement, security, government and the military.

Marlin, which is based in North Haven, manufactures long guns, including shoulder arm designs and lever action rifles. Marlin's lever action .22 repeater, now the Model 39, became the favorite of many exhibition shooters, including Annie Oakley.

Frank Kenna III, chairman of Marlin, said finding a buyer for the 137-year old family-run business is an important next step for the company, which was established in 1870.

"We knew it was time to find the right partner for Marlin to ensure our brands maintain their leadership positions and move into the next century," he said.

Marlin also owns Harrington and Richardson [H&R], New England Firearms [NEF]. and LC Smith brands of rifles and shotguns.

Under the agreement, Robert Behn will remain president of Marlin. The deal is expected to close in January. Terms were not disclosed.

MG Note:  S&W (owned by Saf-T-Hammer Corporation) has purchased Thompson Center and is in licensed production of Walther firearms [Walther America] in the USA.  Remington is owned by Cerberus Capital Management (owners of Chrysler Corporation), who have purchased DPMS-Panther Arms, Bushmaster Firearms, and Cobb Manufacturing.  Add H&R, NEF, LC Smith, and Marlin to Remington, and that is a lot of manufacturers under one conglomerate corporation.  Winchester Repeating Arms has been purchased by Browning Arms of Morgan, UT (owned by Fabrique Nationale (FN) -- Herstal, Belgium).