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Venture Capital - Wednesday, December 12, 2007

5.11 Tactical: Clothier For Military Hard Guys Sells $200M Stake

With all the money that is going to private contractors in Iraq and elsewhere it makes sense that someone is serving as the Levi Strauss to these folks. That someone appears to be Modesto, CA-based 5.11 Tactical. VC firm TA Associates has just written a $200M check for a stake in the firm and now holds a majority stake.

5.11 Tactical sells things like kevlar gear, uniforms, outerwear, footwear, eyewear, duty knives, tactical gear, and holsters.

If you happen to be a hard guy, 5.11 Tactical organizes an event in Montana called the 5.11 Challenge were teams compete under the moto: "Enjoy, Shoot, Relax. "

In case you are wondering what the "5.11" references, 30 years ago the company sold its first item which were Tactical Pants which were originally developed for rock climbing. “5.11” is a rock climbing difficulty level as listed in the Yosemite Decimal System. With skill levels ranging from 5.0 (easy) to 5.10 (difficult). 5.11 is officially defined as, “After thorough inspection, you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it.”

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