Schutt Sports Reports Record Breaking Year in 2012

Historic Helmet Volume, Profitability and Introduction of New Helmet

LITCHFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Delivering more helmets than in any single year since it entered the football helmet market nearly 30 years ago, Schutt Sports also reported record profitability for 2012. All of this occurred at the same time the company introduced yet another new helmet into the marketplace.

“It was a remarkable year, in many ways”

"It was a remarkable year, in many ways," said Robert Erb, President/CEO of Schutt. "We built and shipped more helmets than in any other year in our brand's 94 year history. We were able to sell that many helmets without sacrificing profitability; in fact, our profitability in 2012 was the best in our history. If that's not enough, we also introduced the best helmet we've ever made, the Vengeance DCT. The Vengeance has been an unconditional success with our dealers and incredibly well received by the market."

Since the company is privately held, it does not release the exact number of helmets it builds and ships, nor does it publicize specific financial information. Nevertheless, the company is standing on solid ground, according to Rollen Jones, CFO of Schutt.

"Since Schutt Sports became part of the portfolio of companies owned by Platinum Equity, our financial position has never been stronger. With their support and capitalization, we've been able to build - in two short years - a protective company that not only produces the best equipment on the field, but also one of the most financially secure companies in the marketplace. Our record profitability in 2012 is the result of a complete effort by our sales and operations teams, as well as strong cost controls throughout the organization. Our operating efficiency has never been higher and gives us a solid platform for future growth."

The Vengeance DCT helmet is seen as a key component for that sustained growth. According to Erb, the Vengeance is a unique helmet that was introduced into the marketplace at the right time. The Vengeance first began shipping in the summer of 2012 and became a very popular helmet for the company's dealer network. The initial orders for the Vengeance far exceeded the company's projections for the 2012 buying season.

About Schutt Sports

Schutt Sports is the world's leading manufacturer of football helmets and faceguards. Its football helmets feature the game's most advanced padding system, TPU Cushioning, which has been proven to absorb more impact across a wider variety of temperatures than any other padding system. Schutt protects today's football player from head to toe, including shoulder pads, protective apparel and padding. Schutt also is the leading domestic manufacturer of batters helmets in the USA. All of the batters helmets and football helmets made by Schutt are made in the USA. Schutt also is the Official Base Supplier to Major League Baseball and the Jack Corbett Hollywood Base has been on the field for every major league baseball game since 1939. Schutt Collectibles is a premium line of on-field football and MLB collectibles that are truly authentic pieces of sports memorabilia.