Jarden buys Coleman parent company

Staff -- Casual Living, 3/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Jarden Corporation completed its $745.6 million acquisition of privately held American Household in late January. The deal included Jarden assuming repayment of about $100 million of indebtedness.

Jarden also named Gary A. Kiedaisch as president of its outdoor products subsidiary, the Coleman Company. Kiedaisch succeeds Gwen Wisler, who was the president of Coleman for a one-year transition period. He will be based at Coleman's Wichita, Kan., headquarters.

Kiedaisch brings 25 years of experience in developing and growing complex international companies specializing in sports and outdoor recreation. Most recently, Kiedaisch was the chairman, CEO and president for Nike's subsidiary, Bauer Nike Hockey.

Kiedaisch said he intends to work with the Coleman team to grow its core business, but also sees many opportunities for growth. "I want to accelerate product innovation, evolve Coleman to become a brand- and marketing-driven company and drive domestic and international organic growth while setting the platform for tuck-in acquisitions."