Union City, Calif., January 11 – Ariat International, the
leading manufacturer of performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts,
today announced it has acquired The SMD Group, Ltd. (SMD), a recognized leader
in the sales, marketing and distribution of premium equestrian goods in the UK.
SMD has been Ariat’s exclusive distributor in the UK since 1997.
“The SMD Group is an excellent addition to the Ariat team as
we continue to grow our business aggressively in the UK and throughout Europe,"
said Beth Cross, President and CEO of Ariat. “Ariat and SMD have enjoyed a very
beneficial partnership, and with this acquisition we are taking another
important step in our ongoing efforts to build the Ariat brand in every major
market around the world. Looking ahead, we believe our prospects for growth
continue to be excellent, and we are fully committed to capitalising on the
positive momentum in the UK and European markets.
“Importantly, because we have been building our talent base
around the world – the opportunity to acquire a team of the calibre of Phil Duff
and his SMD organisation was a major factor for us when evaluating this
acquisition. The present SMD team will stay intact, and we’re certainly pleased
to have them on board,” Cross said.
“Speaking for the SMD organisation, we are thrilled to
become a part of the Ariat team,” said Phil Duff, founder and Managing Director
of SMD. “In joining Ariat, we become part of a company that is a leader in the
equestrian industry and is committed to collaborating with us to grow our
business. With the Ariat infrastructure and management team behind us, we’ll be
positioned to maximise the potential of the Ariat brand in the UK and European
markets.”
Ariat will retain SMD’s management, sales, marketing and
supporting staff. The company will continue operations at its current
headquarters and warehouse facility in Faringdon, near Oxford, UK.
About Ariat International, Inc.
Ariat International, Inc.
is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear,
apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver
stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced
athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic western boots.
Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For
more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you,
visit www.ariat.com.
About The SMD Group, Ltd.
Widely regarded as the
specialist in sales, marketing and distribution of premium equestrian goods,
Oxfordshire-based SMD Group, Ltd. was established in 1987 as HAC-TAC Ltd. by
Phil Duff, the founder and creator of the popular HAC-TAC brand
