EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Brunswick Billiards, one of the most iconic and oldest brands in America, has been acquired.

The more than 170-year-old company has been purchased by Escalade Inc., a manufacturer of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. The Brunswick Billiards business was previously owned by Life Fitness, LLC, a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP. 

Brunswick Billiards is the largest and oldest provider of billiards tables, game tables, and game room furniture in the United States. Having participated in the billiards market since 1977, Escalade recognizes the enduring strength of the Brunswick Billiards legacy and its lasting connection with generations of consumers who cherish the brand.

According to a company press release, the acquisition of Brunswick Billiards presents a significant opportunity to expand Escalade's reach into the billiards and indoor recreation markets, which includes billiards brands and other indoor recreation games.

"Brunswick Billiards has been the premier billiards brand since its founding in 1845. Brunswick Billiards and Escalade share many values including quality, adaptability, and creativity that have enabled both companies to become enduring market leaders. Over the last few months, as we've gotten to know the Brunswick Billiards team, we have seen firsthand their passion for Brunswick Billiards products, customers, and employees. We are now poised to combine our talented teams to create a world-class business that will continue to provide great quality and value to future generations," said Escalade's CEO Walt Glazer.

Brunswick Billiards will continue to be based in Bristol, Wisconsin and led by John Kazik, General Manager, and his management team. Escalade's purchase of the Brunswick Billiards business is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in January 2022.

"Brunswick Billiards has been committed to connecting generations through superior craftsmanship and innovation for the last 176 years. Every day we wake up thinking about our stewardship of the Brunswick Billiards brand and keeping the quality to the level that John Moses Brunswick set when he began this company almost two centuries ago. Mr. Brunswick's mantra of 'if it can be built from wood, we can build it better' still is a guiding principle," said John Kazik.

Kazik continued, "We at Brunswick Billiards could not be more excited about what the future holds with Escalade's support and resources. We intend to keep our staff and leverage our combined strength in the supply chain, logistics, R&D, and retail distribution. Brunswick Billiards is a perfect complement to Escalade's robust portfolio of brands built over the last 99 years."