Jun 3, 2013

Co., the global leader in workwear, today announced it has completed its acquisition of Cleburne, Texas-based Walls Industries. The Walls brands (Walls, Big Smith, 10X, Liberty, Duxbak) now join Williamson-Dickie's extensive portfolio of workwear brands, including Dickies®, Workrite®, Kodiak®, Terra® and Van Moer®. The acquisition expands Williamson-Dickie's footprint in the workwear industry and solidifies the company's status as the leading global provider of workwear and work accessories. Financial terms of the transaction will not be revealed. "As a 90-year-old, family-owned business, Williamson-Dickie is very protective of its brand heritage and position in the industry. It's important not only to grow, but to do so in a smart, strategic manner," said Philip C. Williamson, Chairman and CEO of Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. "In looking at the marketplace, we were confident Walls Industries was perfectly suited to complement our existing stable of workwear brands. We look forward to the breadth of workwear knowledge they'll bring to the table. " Walls' expertise across a multitude of apparel categories will play a critical role in Williamson-Dickie's overall industry success—from outerwear to sporting goods, flame retardant (FR) apparel and more. In particular, the acquisition further entrenches Williamson-Dickie's foothold as a dominant player in the global oil and gas market. Walls will continue with separate day-to-day business operations as the company transitions into the WD organization. The transition itself is on target for completion by the end of the calendar year, at which time the Walls brand(s) will be supported within the appropriate operating areas of Williamson-Dickie. Williamson-Dickie intends to significantly grow the Walls brand(s) in the future. "As a 70-year-old provider of workwear and sporting goods, Walls is the perfect fit to the Williamson-Dickie portfolio of brands," said Jerry M. Meyer, Chairman and CEO of Walls Industries. "We are proud to enter this new era of commitment to meeting all of the workers' needs both on a domestic and international basis. This is the perfect marriage. " Both organizations are committed to maintaining a seamless experience for their suppliers and customers during the business transition. The acquisition ensures steady financial standing, flexibility and responsiveness for the Walls brand(s). About Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. is the world's leading provider of authentic work apparel, specializing in innovative performance work wear since 1922. The company offers premium quality products at an unmatched value across a vast assortment of apparel, footwear, and licensed goods in more than 100 countries. Williamson-Dickie operates through wholly-owned affiliates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan and the Middle East; exclusive licensees and distributors in Africa and the Asia Pacific region; and under the Dickies®, Workrite®, Kodiak®, Terra® and Van Moer® brands. For more information, visit  www.williamsondickie.com . About Walls Industries Walls Industries LLC ("Walls" or the "Company") is a leading provider of mission-critical, industrial safety, active workwear and sporting goods apparel. Sold under six established Company brands, Walls' products are developed, engineered and manufactured to offer end users workwear that sets the standard in workplace safety and is recognized for its professional grade, durability, value and functionality. For over 70 years, Walls has designed and engineered products with important functional and safety qualities that workers demand and rely on to perform their daily tasks. Walls' heritage of productivity-enhancing work and safety wear is underscored in the Company's logo and motto: "Walls: The Wearable Tool. " Misty Otto