Australian defense contractor NIOA buys Barrett Firearms.

[Ronald_55]

 

Australian defense contractor NIOA has expanded its global reach with the 100 percent 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’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 Barrett 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 focused 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.

 

NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa has announced the company’s acquisition of US rifle maker Barrett Firearms.

About NIOA…

• NIOA is the largest Australian-owned supplier of firearms, weapons and ammunition to the Australian and New Zealand defense forces, law enforcement agencies and commercial markets.
• NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it is currently manufacturing 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.
• The company is contracted to deliver major weapons programs for the Australian and New Zealand militaries and has recently established an artillery shell forging factory in Maryborough, Queensland in a joint venture with Rheinmetall of Germany.

 About Barrett…

• Barrett is a family-owned and operated company and the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing.
• Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 75 US Department of State approved countries around the world.
• The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and to provide training for those systems.

 

 

https://barrett.net/2023/01/16/nioa-acquires-us-manufacturer-barrett-firearms/

[Moped]

This actually saddens me.  First of all, I hate that Barrett is now owned by a foreign company.  Let's face it Australia is not a bastion of 2A rights. So you have to figure that any Australian defense company is going to be toeing the Australian Government line, in order to keep their defense contracts. 

Second of all, I hate that the Barrett family is no longer in the firearms business. They were one of the few that told California to shove it and they stopped selling their weapons to state and local LE agencies, there. They even went so far as to refuse to service the weapons they'd already sold there.  And made the LE agencies actually fly individuals to Tennessee to pick up their weapons. That was clear signal to the state that they were no longer welcome to do business with Barrett.  I highly doubt that is going to be the case going forward.

[Defender]

I had a chance to tour their factory several years ago for work. It was impressive. Then later heard Ronnie Barrett speak in the Outpost Armory parking lot at a 2nd amendment rally. His story impressed me.

[hipower]

8 hours ago, Defender said:

I had a chance to tour their factory several years ago for work. It was impressive. Then later heard Ronnie Barrett speak in the Outpost Armory parking lot at a 2nd amendment rally. His story impressed me.

Was it the one on a cold, wet, and windy day? I was at that one. 

[Defender]

8 hours ago, hipower said:

Was it the one on a cold, wet, and windy day? I was at that one. 

That was the one!  

[CMDRStormBorn]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my wife for buying me my M-82 last year.  It was a lifelong dream going back to the movie Navy Seals and apparently in it’s last hour of what it was- a true American Icon.  I always respected Ronnie and what he contributed to the world and what he stands for.  I can’t help but feel this is the end of an era.

[M3s90]

Agree with MOPED, saddens me. 

[M3s90]

On 1/18/2023 at 12:51 PM, Moped said:

This actually saddens me.  First of all, I hate that Barrett is now owned by a foreign company.  Let's face it Australia is not a bastion of 2A rights. So you have to figure that any Australian defense company is going to be toeing the Australian Government line, in order to keep their defense contracts. 

Second of all, I hate that the Barrett family is no longer in the firearms business. They were one of the few that told California to shove it and they stopped selling their weapons to state and local LE agencies, there. They even went so far as to refuse to service the weapons they'd already sold there.  And made the LE agencies actually fly individuals to Tennessee to pick up their weapons. That was clear signal to the state that they were no longer welcome to do business with Barrett.  I highly doubt that is going to be the case going forward.

Agreed, very well said. I share your sentiment