Universal Safety Response wins 2009 business awards
USR was acquired by Smith & Wesson for $26.2 million in cash and 9.7 million shares; Inc. 5,000 names USR as one of fastest-growing private companies in America
In another story in this issue we report that Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ: SWHC), as part of its strategy of expanding its security offerings, paid up to 9.7 million shares and up to $26.2 million in cash for Franklin, Tennessee-based Universal Safety Response (USR), depending on some performance measures.
They bought a good company. USR, a big hitter in perimeter security systems, has recently earned business awards for growth and innovation from both local and national organizations, including Inc. Magazine and the American Business Awards.
Each year, Inc. Magazine ranks the top 5,000, fastest-growing private companies in the United States. USR achieved a position in the 2009 rankings, placing 852 out of a total 5,000 companies.
Inc.’s list debuted in 1991 with 100 of the fastest-growing private U.S. companies, then expanded the following year to the Inc. 500 and again in 2007 to the Inc. 5,000. The list is now accepted as one measure of recognizing the significant accomplishments of entrepreneurial companies.
In June USR was also presented with the Stevie Award for Most Innovative Company of the Year — Up to 100 Employees — All other Industries. The designation was awarded at the 2009 American Business Awards, hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network. More than 2,600 entries from companies of assorted sizes and industries were submitted for consideration. Finalists were determined by a panel of more than 200 executives from across the United States.
Ken Grant, director of client relations for USR, said, “On behalf of all the employees of USR, we are honored to accept these prestigious business awards. We have worked hard to secure our position as the innovator in perimeter security with customers across the nation, so we are especially proud to be recognized by these highly esteemed organizations and publications, both locally and nationally, for our accomplishments.”
In July Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the 157-year old company, completed its acquisition of Universal Safety Response, Inc. The acquisition provides 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 reach into commercial, non-firearms categories. USR is operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith & Wesson.
