Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., Springfield, Mass., parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the 157-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Universal Safety Response Inc. (USR), a privately held, full-service security systems solutions provider, for up to 9.7 million shares of common stock and up to $26.2 million in cash.


USR, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., is a full-service, uniquely positioned, fast-growing provider of integrated perimeter security solutions, according to a statement from Smith & Wesson.


The transaction provided Smith & Wesson entry into the rapidly growing perimeter security market, a move aligned with the company’s growth and diversification strategy, and one that expands its revenue base into commercial, non-firearms categories.


Michael Golden, president and chief executive officer of Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., said, “We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition creates for both Smith & Wesson and for USR. USR has built a solid reputation in the perimeter security market based on its differentiated GRAB® product and its unique ability to deliver integrated security systems solutions to an impressive list of government agencies and blue-chip customers. USR has assembled a strong group of professionals in the perimeter security industry. In addition, USR’s broad product and service portfolio, combined with its management’s expertise in perimeter security, gives us a strong platform for future growth.”


In conjunction with the acquisition, USR founder Matthew Gelfand continues to serve as president of USR. He continues to lead the USR operation and will head Smith & Wesson’s efforts to develop USR’s security-related businesses.


USR operates primarily in two facilities in Franklin.


For information visit www.smith-wesson.com.