MidOcean Partners, a middle market private equity firm, and Bushnell Outdoor Products said that Bushnell has acquired the C'eb'e brand from Marcolin S.p.A., which is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. The terms of the purchase agreement were not disclosed.


Founded in 1892, C'eb'e produces optical frames, sport performance sunglasses, ski goggles and helmets.


Olivier Ciaravino, Vice President and Managing Director Europe of Bushnell Outdoor Products, said, “C'be'e provides us with an excellent opportunity to differentiate our product lines and distribution channels in order to expand the Bushnell family of eyewear.”


David Basto, a Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, stated, “Our Bushnell European subsidiary has enjoyed a steady growth in sales and eyewear market share. The acquisition of C'be'e will strengthen our capabilities to market, promote and expand these product lines. Their core values of satisfying the needs of sportsmen and women, providing protection against the elements and the mission to create innovate and evolve fits in well with what we are trying to accomplish.”

The parties signed a definitive purchase agreement and the transaction closed on May 12, 2009.


This marks the ninth acquisition Bushnell has made since 2000. Over the past year, Bushnell has acquired Simmons Optics and Millett Industries as part of its stated goal of growth through acquisition.