On target: NIOA takes control of US rifle manufacturer
Brisbane-based defence company NIOA has bought Tennessee’s Barrett Firearms in a deal that expands its reach into the US market.
Robert Nioa will join AmCham's governing council
The companies had links going back to 2008 and NIOA chief executive Robert Nioa said the deal would combine expertise and family business values.
Barrett would continue to operate under its own name and as a separate division of NIOA. It produces long-range, large calibre rifles used by sports shooters, police and the US military.
All management and staff at the Tennessee company have been retained and production would continue as normal.
“Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities at Murfreesboro will be further expanded,” NIOA said.
The takeover would mean the current Barrett president Sam Shallenberger would be made chief executive and the chief operating officer Bryan James would become president.
NIOA also said the deal was the next step in the US where it already had links to companies like General Dynamics, Northrup Gruman and the Winchester operated Lake City ammunition plant.
The financial terms of the takeover were not revealed.
