Johnson Outdoors

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Johnson Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ: JOUT) produces outdoor recreational products such as watercraft, diving equipment, compasses and navigational products, and outdoor clothing. The company grew out of a diversification and acquisition efforts by S.C. Johnson during the 1970's into a profitable, self-sustaining business which the Johnson family purchased in 1986. The company acquired the Silva Company USA operations in 1973, followed by Silva Ltd. Canada. Since 1996, the company has marketed compasses and other products under the Silva brand name in North America. Public offerings occurred in 1987 and 1988, with the Johnson family maintaining a strong ownership position. Johnson Outdoors has operations in 24 locations worldwide, employs 1,400 people and reports sales of more than $315 million. It is comprised of individual, specialized companies. Helen Johnson-Leipold, one of Samuel Curtis Johnson, Jr.'s 4 children runs the company.