Snapper traces its roots back to 1894 as Southern Saw Works.
Snapper
introduced the industry's first self-propelled rotary mower in 1951 and was
an innovator of the rear engine riding mower. Today, Snapper manufactures
premium lawn care and snow removal equipment for both residential and
commercial customers including walk-behind mowers, rear engine riders,
tractors, zero turn riders, commercial mowers, snow throwing equipment,
tillers, utility vehicles, generators and pressure washers. For more
information about Snapper products, visit the Snapper Website at
www.snapper.com.
Snapper, home of the most famous Rear Engine Rider mower in the world. This
is the same mower used by Forest Gump in the movie at the University of
Alabama scene We carry Hi-Vac cuts 28"and
33" Hi Vac lawn mowers from Snapper mower company. We still have 1
Joystick Zero Turn in stock
with great discount prices for local and internet shoppers. Snapper is
well known for their Ninja Mulch System and other common terms related to
Snapper are Easy Line Grounds Cruzer or Grounds Cruiser Turf
Cruzer Turf Cruiser Blackhawk Lady Gardner Disk Drive Value Line
mowers. Snapper mower parts, SNAPPER GENERATOR PARTS AND MORE!
Simplicity Manufacturing Acquires Snapper
Port Washington, Wis., (October 23, 2002) — Simplicity Manufacturing,
Inc., announced today it has entered into an agreement to purchase the
assets of Snapper, Inc., a Georgia-based manufacturer of lawn and garden
equipment for both the residential and commercial markets.
The agreement calls for Simplicity to acquire Snapper from its parent
company, Metromedia International Group, Inc., (AMEX:MMG). Simplicity will
acquire substantially all of the assets of Snapper and assume certain
liabilities. The acquisition of Snapper will allow Simplicity to double its
size in terms of sales and number of employees. The acquisition is subject
to the satisfaction of certain conditions and is expected to close in thirty
days.
"The acquisition of Snapper fits well into our strategy of offering
premium quality residential and commercial lawn and garden equipment
exclusively through independent dealers," says Jim Wier, president and CEO
of Simplicity. "Simplicity is recognized as The Dealer Line© because of its
long, unwavering commitment to the independent dealer. The fit between our
two companies in terms of product mix and distribution will allow us to
bring more high quality products to a greater number of customers globally,"
he says.
"Simplicity produces the best lawn and garden tractors in the world and
Snapper is the most recognized brand of walk-behind mowers and rear engine
riders anywhere," Wier says. "A combined dealer network of over 5500 dealers
will allow us to serve customers nationwide." Simplicity has its strongest
distribution in the Midwest and Northeast, while Snapper has a strong market
presence in the South and Southeast.
In the past three years, Simplicity has acquired Ferris Industries, a
leading manufacturer of commercial mowers, and Giant-Vac, Inc., a leading
supplier of leaf and debris management equipment. These companies have
firmly established Simplicity in the commercial lawn & garden market, and
furthered Simplicity's commitment to the independent power equipment dealer.
Snapper's line of commercial equipment and utility vehicles increases
Simplicity's product offering to this growing commercial market.
"Snapper will operate as a stand-alone company similar to Ferris and
Giant-Vac," says Wier, who will serve as the chief executive officer of all
companies. "We plan to further enhance the Snapper brand with new products
and promotions," he says. "Most importantly, we plan to renew Snapper's
commitment as part of The Dealer Line©, taking full advantage of the retail
strength of our 7500 dealers around the world," he says.
"Jim Wier will lead the management group at Snapper, working closely with
Shane Sumners, who will be its president and chief operating officer," says
Troy Blewett, manager of corporate communications for Simplicity. "While the
two companies are equal in size, the corporate headquarters will remain in
Port Washington, Wisconsin," he says.
"This is a 'win-win' situation, as Simplicity plans to invest in the
business and grow Snapper," says Sumners. "Snapper products will continue to
be manufactured in McDonough, Ga.," he adds.
Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc., headquartered in Port Washington, Wis.,
has been a leader in the outdoor power equipment industry for the past 81
years. The Company is engaged in the manufacture of riding mowers, lawn
tractors, yard and garden tractors, chipper shredders, tillers, field &
brush mowers and snowthrowers. Through its companies Ferris Industries,
Inc., and Giant-Vac, Inc., Simplicity Manufacturing also produces a complete
line of commercial mowers and leaf and debris management equipment designed
for use by homeowners and commercial customers. All products are distributed
through a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors.
Two of the most trusted names in outdoor power equipment are teaming up
to offer homeowners a new line of reliable mowing products.
Beginning this spring, Sears becomes the exclusive national retailer to
sell the Snapper brand of lawn equipment. The select Snapper branded
products to be carried at Sears stores nationwide include three new
self-propelled walk behind mowers, two new lawn tractors and a new zero turn
riding mower. All three product lines are newly designed to be homeowner
friendly and affordably priced.
Since introducing the industry's first self-propelled rotary mower in
1951, the Snapper brand has been dedicated to providing homeowners with a
wide variety of walk-behind and riding mowers to meet their lawn care needs.
In addition to these new products being available at Sears, they will be
included in the broad array of Snapper branded lawn and garden products
available through
independent dealers nationwide.
"We are excited about the prospects of combining the strength of the
Snapper brand and product line with the merchandising and trusted leadership
of Sears in lawn and garden equipment," said Vince Shiely, President of the
Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group.
"As the leading retailer of powered lawn and garden equipment, we're very
pleased to add another all-star brand to our roster," said Jeff Rothe, vice
president and general merchandise manager for Sears Holdings. "Now consumers
have both Craftsman, the nation's leading and most trusted brand, and
Snapper — to select from when shopping at Sears for their lawnmower and
tractor needs.
"With these two powerhouse brands, plus our existing brands, Sears offers
the largest powered lawn and garden assortment to our customers.
Additionally, Snapper's spokesperson Brett Favre will introduce the new
mowers, tractors and their availability at Sears in a new national ad
campaign set to appear in late February," Rothe said.
The Snapper line of products will be available in all Sears Full-line
stores, Sears Hardware stores and Sears Dealer stores. In addition, look for
a new interactive Snapper site on the lawn and garden page sears.com. Set to
debut on Jan. 21, this interactive Snapper site will help consumers select
the right model for their mowing needs.
About Snapper
Snapper is the part of the Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC.
In addition to the products available at Sears, Snapper products include
premium lawn care and snow removal equipment including walk-behind mowers,
rear engine riders, tractors, zero turn riders, snow throwing equipment,
tillers, generators and pressure washers. For more information, or to locate
the nearest dealer, visit http://www.snapper.com.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation is the world's largest producer of gasoline
engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs &
Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, is North America's number one
manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading
designer, manufacturer and marketer of lawn and garden and turf care through
its Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris® and Murray® brands. Briggs & Stratton
products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100
countries on all seven continents.