AMERICAN FORK, Utah (BRAIN) — Grip and handlebar tape manufacturer Lizard Skins has completed a deal to acquire Oury Grips, which also makes grips for bicycles and powersports.
Oury has been designing and manufacturing grips since 1968, while Lizard Skins celebrates its 25th anniversary in January.
The acquisition came about when Oury managing partner Marta Schild decided to retire this year, after 30 years with the company.
"We are really excited to have Oury Grips as part of the Lizard Skins family," said Brian Fruit, Lizard Skins' president. "We also produce class-leading grips, and have done so for over 20 years, so this partnership was a logical step in our evolution. Combined with Oury's amazing history and wealth of knowledge, we see this as an opportunity to make all of our products even better and more diversified than ever."
Schild said she considered other offers, but a long friendship with Lizard Skins helped her choose. "We've been friends with the Lizard Skins team for many years, and they've always been kind and willing to lend a hand, even though we're competitors. Their willingness to continue our traditions, like molding grips at the same USA-based facilities, helped seal the deal."
Oury is now entirely owned and operated by Lizard Skins effective Sept. 1. The Oury website and branding will remain separate from Lizard Skins, but they will now be operated out of Lizard Skins' newly constructed office/warehouse in Utah.
Lizard Skins launched in 1993 with a neoprene chainstay protector and now produces grips and tape used in cycling, baseball, hockey and lacrosse.
Oury was founded in 1968 by William "Bill" Oury, a motocross rider who came up with the idea of an aftermarket handlebar grip. Over the years Oury branched out and added grips that catered to motocross, ATV's, personal watercraft, BMX and mountain bikes. The brand is also widely renowned in the fixie and city-bike market. Oury grips have always been made in the U.S.
