I recently got wind of a rumor that Vanguard, the makers of the Creed and Demon paintball guns, may be up for grabs.  Other recent rumors had spoken of Vanguard going out of business, then coming back under new ownership, and then the new owner backing out of the purchase.

Normally reliable sources now indicate that Frank Connell is trying to team up with Richmond Italia to buy the company in its’ entirety.  I sent emails out to Richmond and Frank both, and Richmond almost immediately replied with the statement that he and Frank had been discussing the purchase, but “Nothing was on paper yet.”  In a phone conversation with the Avalanche star today, Frank confirmed that he was in the process of purchasing Vanguard in its’ entirety, but negotiations were ongoing.  Currently the status of the patents associated with the Demon and Creed are under negotiation, as they aren’t owned by Vanguard, but rather another entity which may or may not be owned by Vanguard’s parent company in the UK.

Another industry contact had recently expressed and followed up on interest in buying the company himself, but he stated today that the current owners ‘went silent’ on him once the offer to purchase the company was made to Frank.   If or when the purchase is complete, I was told to expect some changes in the gun, but when I pressed Connell for more detailed information, he refused to give any more information.

Connell hinted that other parties have been in contact with him to be involved with the purchase, but he wouldn’t specify who at this point.   He also theorized on the possibilities of moving production of the guns out of the UK and into either the US or Asia, but that was something he felt would be addressed at a later date.

UPDATE

Frank Connell announced on Facebook yesterday that he is now the owner of Vanguard Paintball:  “OK it is official, I am the proud owner of a Paintball Marker Company. Vanguard will be going thru alot of changes over the next 6 months…….Press release to follow.”  Reaction to the acquisition has been mixed, with some comments on Facebook being less than flattering towards Frank’s new endeavor.  Frank is currently en route back to the US from the UK.  Once the Press Release is issued by Vanguard, we’ll post it up here.