FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Nov. 22, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Oakley, Inc. (NYSE:OO) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire essentially all the assets of Eye Safety Systems, Inc. (ESS), one of the world's largest suppliers of military, law enforcement and firefighting protective eyewear, for $110 million cash.
"This acquisition represents another major step for Oakley in our strategy to accelerate growth in our core optics business," said Scott Olivet, chief executive officer, Oakley, Inc. "ESS's brand and company reputation, strong goggle business, and breadth of distribution across military, fire fighting and law enforcement channels complement our existing military eyewear platform.
"Oakley is at its best when we work to solve the most difficult problems of the world's most demanding users -- the exact same thing can be said of ESS," continued Olivet. "By joining forces, we are combining two individually strong brands with remarkably similar core values, enhancing both of our abilities to provide the best product and highest quality service possible."
"This represents an exceptional and timely opportunity for both ESS and Oakley. We believe that Oakley's design excellence, financial resources and international infrastructure will allow ESS to significantly expand its presence in the global protective eyewear markets," said John Dondero, founder and president, Eye Safety Systems, Inc. "Our management team is enthusiastic about this transaction and believes this combination is an excellent step forward for our customers, employees, and most importantly the military, fire fighting and law enforcement professionals who rely daily on our eye protection equipment in their challenging work environments."
"We are extremely proud of our military heritage and excited to combine a shared commitment to product research and development, advanced technology and excellent support for this important channel," said Erick Poston, military business unit manager, Oakley, Inc. "ESS enables us to create a much broader product and distribution platform capable of enhancing service to our existing customers and creating potential for future growth."
The acquisition's $110 million cash purchase price is subject to certain indemnities and post-close adjustments. Subject to customary closing conditions, the company expects the acquisition to be closed during the first half of 2007. Upon closing, the company expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive and estimates a partial year contribution of approximately $30 million to sales and approximately $0.05 earnings per share in 2007. Dondero will continue to lead the development and expansion of the business as its president.
About Eye Safety Systems, Inc.
Eye Safety Systems, Inc. (ESS) creates advanced eye protection systems for military, fire fighting and law enforcement professionals. Designed for the planet's most hostile and unforgiving environments, ESS products ensure peak performance and uncompromised eye safety. Headquartered in Sun Valley, Idaho, ESS is a leader in eyewear sold to the U.S. military and firefighting markets. ESS eyewear is sold in more than 80 countries. For more information, please visit www.essgoggles.com.
About Oakley, Inc.
Oakley is a worldwide leader in performance optics including premium sunglasses, goggles, and prescription eyewear. Headquartered in Southern California, the company's optics brand portfolio includes Dragon, Fox Racing, Mosley Tribes, Oliver Peoples, and Paul Smith Spectacles. In addition to its worldwide wholesale business, the company operates retail locations including Oakley Stores, The Optical Shop of Aspen, and Sunglass Icon, the second largest sunglass specialty chain in the United States. The company also offers a wide selection of Oakley-branded apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.
The Oakley Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1533
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