Smith’s Sporting Group reported it acquired Tanners Team Sports, Inc. The two companies distribute over 1,000 products worldwide and nationally through specialty retailers and big box stores including Walmart, Amazon, Lowe’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, and Tractor Supply.
Smith’s Sporting Group, a manufacturer of sharpeners, knives and tools designed and engineered for outdoor use, was founded in 1886. Today the company includes team recreational activities in its portfolio through the acquisition of Tanners Team Sports.
Tanners, founded in 1991, produces team and individual sports products, including baseball training equipment and accessories under the Rawlings and Easton brands; plus, it offers a complete line of equipment under its wholly-owned Vulcan brand, a supplier of pickleball gear.
“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Tanners Team Sports for a long time as they produce the honing oil used on some of our sharpeners,” said Mike Taylor, CEO of Smith’s Consumer Products and president of Smith’s Sporting Group. “Our Board looked at a variety of acquisitions in recent years to diversify and strengthen our position in the sporting goods industry. This acquisition successfully diversified Smith’s Sporting Group into several indoor and outdoor sporting activities, furthering our vision for growth. We could not be more pleased with Tanners joining our family,” added Taylor.
Over the past 25 years, Smith’s Consumer Products and Tanner’s Team Sports have reportedly partnered and collaborated on various sports-related projects and products of mutual interest. By coincidence, the two companies are headquartered in the Hotsprings Mid-America Industrial Park in Garland County, AR. The newly combined headquarters and campus spans 10 acres with 80,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing and office space. The two companies operate with opposite high and low seasons, so synergy, diversification and industry influence are expected to mesh dynamically.
Vince Signorelli, group vice president of Smith’s Sporting Group and former owner of Tanners Team Sports, said, “This acquisition is a perfect fit for both companies. Smith’s acquisition of Tanners makes us stronger by inserting new resources, incredible new talent, and amazing operational assets the company needs. Smith’s puts us in a better position to compete and win.”
