Smith & Wesson To Buy Survival Equipment Maker UST

Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. said Friday that it was buying survival and camping equipment maker Ulitmate Survival Technologies Inc. for $32.3 million in cash. The gun maker expects the acquisition, which will be made through its Battenfeld Technologies subsidiary, to close later this month. UST's trailing 12-month revenue was about $24 million. "With its complete offering of survival gear, UST Brands is our first acquisition that is entirely focused on the outdoor market, which is a key part of our vision to become the leading provider of quality products for the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast," said Smith & Wesson Chief Executive James Debney. The stock, which was still inactive in premarket trade, has run up 21% year to date, while the S&P 500 has gained 2.2%.