Yesterday, Australian Defence Contractor NIOA fully acquired Barrett Firearms. Barrett was founded back in 1982 by Ronnie Barrett, inventor of the Barrett .50 Cal anti-material rifle. Over the proceeding decades, the Barrett anti-material rifle and .50 BMG have become synonymous in the firearms industry. Barrett also created the highly adaptable and modular MRAD rifle. Barrett has continued to innovate and be a leader in the precision rifle market. Barrett rifles are trusted and used by militaries, law enforcement, and civilians around the globe.
Yesterday, Australian Defence Contractor NIOA fully acquired Barrett Firearms. Barrett was founded back in 1982 by Ronnie Barrett, inventor of the Barrett .50 Cal anti-material rifle. Over the proceeding decades, the Barrett anti-material rifle and .50 BMG have become synonymous in the firearms industry. Barrett also created the highly adaptable and modular MRAD rifle. Barrett has continued to innovate and be a leader in the precision rifle market. Barrett rifles are trusted and used by militaries, law enforcement, and civilians around the globe.
Below, is the joint press release from NIOA and Barrett on the acquisition.
Press Release
Australian defence contractor NIOA has expanded its global reach with the 100 per cent acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms.
In announcing the deal, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.
NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa has announced the company’s acquisition of US rifle maker Barrett Firearms.
“NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades,” Mr Nioa said.
“It’s been a story of hard work, perseverance, and purpose culminating in the delivery of critical capability for the men and women of the US military and its allies around the world as well as exceptional products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.
“Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.’’
Mr Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be further expanded.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Mr Nioa also announced two key leadership appointments – current Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President.
Ronnie and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.
Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focussed on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”
The Barrett acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for NIOA as the company’s entry to the US market where it has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.
The purchase of Barrett Firearms is a big deal for the industry. We will see how this acquisition affects the industry and the balance of power.
Hello, everyone and welcome to The Loadout Blog. The purpose of this website is to share educate, inform, and build a lasting culture around firearms. I want to create a hub of reliable, cohesive, and relevant material for today's shooter. I am seeking to appeal to all demographics so from the novice, to experienced, along with LE and military communities. I am here to be transparent and honest on all matters discussed or chronicled on this site. I will post content once a week at minimum or more often if time allows.
Now, a little bit about me. I served six years in the Marines Corps as an 0311. I was in 2nd BN 4th Marines, 5th Marine Reg, 1st Mar Div. I was in Golf Company while in 2/4. I was deployed twice during my time in. I did one deployment to Afghanistan and my second was on apart of 31st MEU. I departed the military in September of 2015. I currently work as an RSO at a local range in Vegas.
Thank you for stopping by my website and join the journey with me. To stay up to date with the website, hit that subscribe button. Be humble. Be savage. Have a great day.
