Black Diamond, Inc. (NASDAQ: BDE) has successfully completed the
acquisition of PIEPS Holding GmbH and its operating subsidiary, PIEPS
GmbH (together “PIEPS”), a leading Austrian designer and marketer of
avalanche beacons and snow safety products, from the SEIDEL Group, a
family-owned group of companies focused on electronics manufacturing.
“PIEPS reinforces our commitment to providing well-engineered
products that are rooted in a superior level of personal protection and
safety for outdoor athletes,” said Peter Metcalf, president and CEO of
Black Diamond. “Along with their product quality and functionality,
PIEPS’ intellectual property and electronic manufacturing capabilities
support our growing portfolio of technology-centric products. We believe
these factors make PIEPS an ideal acquisition for Black Diamond as we
advance our position as one of the most respected and leading active
outdoor equipment companies in the world.”
Founded in 2006, with roots dating back to 1972, PIEPS is widely
recognized as an innovator and technology leader in alpine safety
equipment. PIEPS offers a focused range of premium alpine performance
products, including avalanche transceivers and probes, shovels, safety
equipment, packs, and satellite-based devices for messaging, route
tracking, and navigation.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Black Diamond acquired
PIEPS for €8.0 million or approximately $10.3 million in cash and
assumed approximately €2.1 million or $2.7 million in debt. Black
Diamond has committed up to an additional estimated €2.3 million or
approximately $3.0 million of contingent purchase price upon PIEPS’
achievement of certain sales targets between April 1, 2012 and March 31,
2015, which may be paid at Black Diamond’s discretion in cash, shares
of Black Diamond common stock, or a combination of cash and such shares.
PIEPS’ CEO Michael Schober commented: “We believe Black Diamond
provides PIEPS the important resources to expand our market and
technology leadership position in avalanche transceivers. This includes
their operational infrastructure tailored to highly engineered products
and global distribution platform. We also expect our technical
experience developing and manufacturing electronic devices to present
unique synergies to Black Diamond’s existing and planned electronic
products. We believe Black Diamond allows us to better serve the market
with premium alpine performance products and we are enthusiastic to join
forces as one company.
About PIEPS GmbH
PIEPS GmbH (“PIEPS”) is the
founder of avalanche transceiver technology, and a market and technology
leader with more than 40 years of experience in alpine safety products.
PIEPS offers the full range of premium alpine performance products,
including avalanche transceivers, avalanche probes, shovels, safety
equipment, backpacks and bags, as well as functional sportswear.
Headquartered in Lebring, Steiermark, Austria, all PIEPS products are
developed and designed internally with state-of-the-art technology and
the highest demands on practical functionality. For additional
information, please visit www.pieps.com.
About Black Diamond, Inc.Black Diamond, Inc. is a
global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative
active outdoor performance products for climbing, mountaineering,
backpacking, skiing, cycling and other outdoor recreation activities for
a wide range of year-round use. The Company's principal brands, Black
Diamond®, Gregory™ and POC™, are iconic in the active outdoor industry
and linked intrinsically with the modern history of these sports. Black
Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, durability and
safety that the outdoor and action sport communities rely on and embrace
in their active lifestyle. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base
of the Wasatch Mountains, the Company's products are created and tested
on some of the best alpine peaks, slopes, crags, roads and trails in the
world. These close connections to the Black Diamond lifestyle enhance
the authenticity of the Company's brands, inspire product innovation and
strengthen customer loyalty. The Company's products are sold by leading
specialty retailers in the U.S. and 50 countries around the world. For
additional information, please visit the Company's websites at www.blackdiamond-inc.com, www.blackdiamondequipment.com, www.gregorypacks.com, or www.pocsports.com.
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