Riddell® Acquires Gunther's Athletic Service; Strengthens West Coast Presence

ROSEMONT, Ill., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Riddell announced today it has acquired Gunther's Athletic Service, of Anaheim, California, a West Coast leader in helmet and protective reconditioning, and sales of sporting goods, uniforms and equipment. Riddell will maintain operations at Gunther's facility in Anaheim, California, and deliver the same service offering. In addition, Bob Brown and Craig Drager, previous owners of Gunther's, will remain in key sales and management roles.  The terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

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"The acquisition of Gunther's Athletic Service is part of Riddell's ongoing effort to grow its brand presence in key areas of the country like the West Coast," said Dan Arment, president of Riddell Sports. "Gunther's established helmet reconditioning business, combined with the deep heritage and protective benefits of the Riddell product line, allows us to service schools at a much deeper level." 

Founded in 1969, Gunther's Athletic Service has developed one of the largest independent reconditioning businesses on the West Coast. As an original member of the National Athletic Equipment Reconditoners Association (NAERA) and a licensed National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) reconditioner, Gunther's is recognized for its quality reconditioning of helmets, shoulder pads, blocking pads, uniforms and other athletic equipment.

About Riddell
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.'s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 31 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

Contact:
Erin Griffin
(224) 585-5231
[email protected]
OR
Laura Moore
(818) 902-5807
[email protected]

SOURCE Riddell