Remington Acquires Dakota Arms (and Nesika Bay)
Remington Arms Company, Inc. through its fully owned subsidiary DA Acquisitions LLC, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Dakota Arms, LLC including the Dakota, Nesika Bay Precision, Miller Arms, and Dan Walter brands. The transaction closed on June 5, 2009.
This is the latest major acquisition by Remington Arms, which acquired Bushmaster Firearms, Marlin Firearms, and DPMS in 2007. Remington Arms is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a private holding company. The acquisition of Dakota Arms is another example of the increasing consolidation of the American gun industry. Dakota Arms had suffered from over-ambitious growth plans and its revenues failed to meet investors’ expectations as Dakota never really developed a strong customer-base for its premium hunting rifles. Dakota tried to become the “Lexus/Mercedes” of the rifle market, but the plan didn’t work. Dakota’s rifles were much more expensive than Remington or Browning products, yet lacked the accuracy and craftsmanship of the high-grade, true custom rifles. “Factory rifles at custom rifle prices” was not a good business model.
Established in 1982 and headquartered in Sturgis, South Dakota, Dakota Arms manufacturers custom and semi-custom rifles for the sporting markets. The Dakota brands include Nesika, Miller Arms and Dan Walter. Nesika Bay Precision actions (at one time) were highly respected for their engineering and build quality; Miller Arms is known for the reliability and performance of its single-shot actions and custom rifles. Dakota Arms is based in the Black Hills of South Dakota and currently employs 35 people.
“I am pleased to announce that Dakota Arms is joining Remington and the Freedom Group of companies,” stated Ted Torbeck, CEO of Remington Arms Company, Inc. and Freedom Group Inc. “Dakota Arms is an icon within the industry and its fine products exemplify quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Dakota is the perfect compliment to our industry-leading family of brands. We look forward to continue to develop and expand the Dakota brand and thank all its employees for their continued dedication and success of Dakota Arms.”
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Tags: Cerberus, Dakota Arms, Nesika Bay, Remington
Not sure what Remington or Browning rifle is comparable to any Dakota rifle. I agree the last few years of Dakota the prices were too high and the wood definitely overpriced. Despite this, there has never been or never will be a Remington or Browning rifle close to the Dakota 76 or 97. Barrels and stocks are pretty easy/cheap to swap out if accuracy is the only factor and you could buy the action separate. Having a well designed CRF for hunting is what you get with Dakota…not with the others.
I took a tour of Dakota’s factory three years ago and saw there inventory of stock blanks on hand, pretty impressive, too bad they couldn’t make ago after their restructure. Any way I didn’t leave until I placed an order for a Nesika built Varmint, great job even if they did go in chapter 11 during that time.
Glad Dakota is going to make it. Unfortunately many suppliers like us took big losses when they filed C11. We work harder to make less money these days.
If the Dakota model did not work prior to the Remington purchase I wonder what Remington is going to do different? Wouldn’t think they will continue down the same road. I really like the Model 10 Dakota rifle, but the bolt actions never were of much interest to me because of the reasons stated above.
just got an early 97 hunter model in 7mm dakota.
i am so glad it was manufactured before being taken over by remington.
I bought a Remington/Marlin rifle. No chance of it functioning properly. I took it back one hour after I bought it.The dealer was reluctant to take it back, however, I spend a lot of money there so he took it back anyway. No way in hell will I ever deal with any company Cerberus owns. Chicken shit lying bastards! That’s Cerberus!My name is Gordon Pugmire. I live in Kenai, Alaska. ALL MY GUNS ARE FOR BEAR PROTECTION. CERBERUS, LET’S SEE YOU DO THE SAME, ASS-HOLE CHICKEN SHITS!