IAC acquired by Witmer Public Safety Group

BILLERICA, Mass. – Interstate Arms Corporation (IAC), a leading distributor to the law enforcement, corrections, security and public safety markets, has been purchased by Witmer Public Safety Group, based in Abbottstown, Pa.

Business Transition Services, an M&A firm based in Pembroke, N.H. and Andover, Mass., identified the buyer and coordinated the transaction, representing the sellers. Ken Schaefer and John Howe of BTS began working with owners four years ago to prepare for a transition so  founders could retire.

IAC was formed in 1974 by two brothers, Martin and Saul Arnstein. In addition to law enforcement, the company operated a full FFL distribution business.

Witmer has been growing through the years, focusing largely on the public safety community including firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Its work with the law enforcement community includes operation of Officer Store, which provides a full line of products for those working the front line of law enforcement.

Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

 

What our clients are saying...

“New Image Coatings, owners of Seal-Once, retained Business Transition Strategies in April of 2015 to locate a strategic buyer for the company. This was successfully completed during April of 2016 when we were acquired by UC Coatings of Buffalo, New York. Working at our side throughout this process were John Howe director, and Ken Schaefer, deputy director, of Business Transition Strategies. From the start of the project, where the information memorandum was developed, to helping us create the management presentation to acquirers, through negotiating the letter of intent and then the definitive agreement, they were there with me and our professional team every step of the way. It took nearly one year to the day to complete the project, but they never lost focus on my best interests and helped me keep my eye on business. This sale was very complex. It included transfer of trade secrets from the product developer, …as well as the transfer of a manufacturing and licensing agreement we had with the core compound producer… John and Ken marketed the company to a range of strategic acquirers, including a number of private equity groups and their platform companies, which ultimately resulted in an agreement with United Coatings… BTS’s level of expertise in the process and close attention to detail enabled us to successfully navigate the deal. I would recommend John Howe and Ken Schaefer to any company owner considering selling.”

- Hank Croteau

New Image Coatings