Gator Cases Acquires XL Specialty Percussion
Gator Cases, Inc. is excited to announce the acquisition of XL Specialty Percussion Inc., the parent
company for the well-known percussion brands of "Protechtor Cases" and "XL Lite" drum carriers.
XL's flagship product is the Protechtor percussion case line, which pioneered the rotational molded
concept in drum and percussion cases. Over the years, Protechtor has been used by such percussion
greats as Louis Bellson, Peter Erskine, Kenny Aronoff , and Dave Weckl- to name a few! In addition,
XL has a product line of marching drum carriers and accessories marketed under the brand name "XL
Lite". These products have a firm foothold in this important market. Gator plans further expansion of
this product line, with additional innovative products such as the patented "Claw", that was used by the
Concord Blue Devils and the Rosemont Cavaliers on the DCI 2008 Tour.
We are very excited to bring Protechtor and XL Lite into the Gator family. This acquisition not only
keeps the existing XL team in Indiana, but the growth will allow us to add additional U.S. positions there.
"We are Americans creating jobs for Americans". Said Gator Co-founder and President Crystal Morris.
She also confirmed that Gator's plan is to grow US manufacturing and there is no plan to take any of the
manufacturing of these products offshore.
Neal Graham, founder of XL Specialty Percussion, Inc. and now General Manager of Gator Cases XL
Specialty Percussion Division expressed his approval of the acquisition and stated, "I am very glad to be
part of the Gator team and look forward to expanding the Protechtor and Gator Case family of brands.
This should bring growth to the factory and opportunities for our employees."
Mark Stone, VP and General Manager of Gator Cases said, "Protechtor is a fantastic well respected brand
and makes a solid addition to the Gator product offering. We will market these products in parallel to the
current Gator assortment. This further solidifies Gator as, Your One Manufacturer for All Your Case
Needs." We have begun the integration and it will be fully functioning by Winter NAMM".
Gator Co-founder and CEO Jerry Freed sums it up by saying, "This is far more than simply an
acquisition. Sourcing the world to sell the world has always been our operating model and the acquisition
of XL brings it closer home and fit perfectly for Gator's future".
At the upcoming NAMM show, the entire line of Gator and Protechtor cases will be on display in both
booth 5100 and 3543. For immediate contact, please call Gator Cases at 813-221-4191 or visit us at
WWW.Gatorcases.com
WWW.xlspec.com
