Iconic Hardwood Louisville Slugger Bats Acquired by Wilson
Wood Louisville Slugger Bats a Home Run for Domestic Jobs

LOUISVILLE, KY –Hardwood baseball bat maker Louisville Slugger was acquired by Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a division of Finnish Amer Sports Corporation in a $70 million deal. Under terms of the deal, Chicago-based Wilson contracted with Louisville Slugger's former parent company to continue operating its manufacturing plant in Louisville.

More on Baseball Bat Manufacture
Photos of Louisville Slugger's Manufacturing Center It's a Business: Turning Vintage Baseball Bat Designs for 19th Century Game Reenactments

 

Hillerich & Bradsby, Co., Louisville Slugger’s former owner, said it will continue to manufacture the bats for Wilson. The company has been manufacturing baseball bats for 131 years.

 

Wilson will market and sell Louisville Slugger-branded products through its baseball and softball business unit. Wilson will market and sell Louisville Slugger as a stand-alone brand, similar to how it is sold today.

H & B will also maintain ownership and continue to operate the highly successful Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and Gift Shop. Louisville Slugger, which manufactures bats for Major League Baseball, received a $40 million credit line from Wells Fargo Bank in 2013 to keep it operating.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.