Yesterday, Gamo® Outdoor SL, an affiliate of the New York-based private equity investment firm BRS, along with its U.S. subsidiary, Gamo® Outdoor USA, announced the acquisition of Daisy Outdoor Products.

Daisy is one of the most recognized brands of airguns and accessories in the world. Since 1886, the company has been producing quality products and introducing generations of young shooters to the world of recreational shooting and plinking.

Daisy originally produced windmills, including a complimentary BB gun in the sale to sweeten the deal for farmers. When customers began showing an interest in the guns themselves, Daisy responded by switching production to Red Ryder and the like. The rest, as they say, is history still in the making after 130 years.

“We cannot begin to express the excitement we feel with the addition of Daisy to our family of shooting and outdoor brands,” said Keith Higginbotham, President of Gamo Outdoor USA. “We believe this to be a great relationship with complementary brands. Gamo’s roots run deep in the outdoors, while Daisy is a part of Americana.

“We both share a passion for the shooting sports and are excited for the future, with a vision to grow the Daisy brand and recreational shooting for generations to come.”

“This is the beginning of the next exciting chapter in Daisy’s history,” said Joe Murfin, Vice President of Public Relations. “We look forward to building on the equity of this well-loved brand and embracing new leadership and products which will enhance our ability to satisfy the needs of our retail customers, our Daisy consumers and our investors.”

The news is noteworthy on many levels. More shooters and hunters have gotten their start with a Daisy BB gun than possibly any other brand, making its acquisition by another company a bit unnerving for some. The changeup also comes in Daisy’s 130th anniversary year, a somewhat surprising event on such a momentous occasion.

What say you? Does this new development worry you concerning the future of Daisy? Will the two companies make even better products than each has on its own? Leave your comments below.