woodstream

Zareba Systems makes electrical fence and access control systems for animal containment (such as horses and livestock) and humans (for security applications at locations such as airports, oil refineries, remote utility sites, and high value storage sites). The company provides perimeter security products for several prisons. Brands include Blitzer, Garden Protector, Guard Tower, and Pet Controller. Its Zareba Systems Europe subsidiary is a maker of electric fencing for the farming, equestrian, and defense markets in the UK, with products sold under the Rutland Electric Fencing, Electric Shepherd, and Induced Pulse brands. The company merged with woodstream Corp. in 2010; Zareba owners received $9.00 per share.

Under new ownership, Zareba operates as a subsidiary of woodstream Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of animal caring and control products, owned by private equity firms Brockway Moran & Partners and Code Hennessy & Simmons. The companies joined forces aiming to leverage their complementary product offerings and market strengths, as well as enhance shareholder value.

In an effort to stay afloat during difficult economic conditions, Zareba sold its Waters Medical Systems subsidiary (electronic medical instruments for cardiovascular and organ preservation) to French medical-device company Group Clair in 2007. It has also shuttered some under-performing product lines. Dale Nordquist was brought in to replace Jerry Grabowski as CEO in 2008. Nordquist was previously an executive with electronic controls maker Winland Electronics.