Fiskars, the parent company of Gerber Legendary Blades, has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the Sweden-based Silva Group including its U.S. subsidiary, The Brunton Company. Silva’s net sales in fiscal year 2005/2006 were about EUR 34 million, and it employs some 250 staff. Silva is headquartered in Sollentuna in Sweden, while its U.S. subsidiary The Brunton Company operates in Riverton, Wyoming.
Silva will be operating under the Gerber Legendary Blades division of Fiskars Brands, Inc. The transaction does not include the marine electronics equipment of Silva, which will be developed further under the previous ownership.
Roughly 60% of Silva’s sales come from Europe, with the remainder coming mainly from the U.S. Silva has its own marketing companies in the UK, Germany, and France. Fiskars plans to employ the distribution network to market Gerber products in Europe.
“This acquisition is consistent with previous steps weve taken to provide the outdoor enthusiasts with the essential gear they need to fend for themselves as they pursue their activities,” said Jason Landmark, president of Gerber. “Weve been impressed for some time by their quality and wide array of outdoor products and see it as a natural extension of the Gerber line.”
Silva has production facilities in Sweden and the U.S., as well as in China where Silva has been manufacturing products since 2005, presenting the opportunity for potential long-term supply chain synergies for the business.
According to Fiskars management, products sold under the Silva and Brunton brand increase and complement Gerbers current product range “in an interesting way.” The transaction will be finalized after approval by competition authorities.
