Beretta Holding buys Burris optic company. (Industry News).

Beretta Holding S.p.A. announced in late October its purchase of Burris Co. Inc. Burris designs, manufactures and distributes rifle and handgun scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and scope-mounting hardware. Burris had been owned by Inductotherm Industries Inc. for 17 years.

"Burris is a world-class maker of premium optics for the hunter and sport shooter," said Cav. Gussalli Beretta, president of Beretta Holding. "I have personally used scopes made by many different companies around the world. To me, Burris offers the best choice to the hunter and sport shooter. As part of the Beretta family of companies, we will add world-class distribution and support to the Burris organization.

In 1972, Don Burris, a design enginner, began the Burris company. In 1985, it was sold to Inductotherm Industries.

"We've enjoyed our association with the Burris Co. over the last 17 years and have helped with its dramatic four-fold growth over the past several years," said Henry Rowan, president of Inductotherm Industries. "I am proud to have been associated with this company for so long."

According to Beretta, the company plans to continue Burris' operations using existing management and distribution. Near-term objectives for the company include expanded international sales and joint marketing opportunities with the Beretta families of products.

Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta will be named to the Burris board of directors, joining John McCarty, Burris' president and CEO, and Jeff Reh, director and general counsel for Beretta U.S.A. Corp.

Beretta Holding S.p.A. also owns Fabrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. in Italy, the manufacturer and designer of Beretta products. The holding company also owns Beretta U.S.A. Corp., Benelli U.S.A. Corp., Benelli Armi S.p.A. and Franchi S.p.A., Uberti S.p.A., Sako Oy, Tikka and Stoeger Industries Inc.