Barjan Products, Moline, IL has acquired Francis Industries, Inc., Pataskala, OH, a manufacturer of fiberglass CB and AM/FM radio antennas.

The company is the third CB antenna maker Barjan has purchased in the past three years. Barjan purchased Diesel Eagle in 1998 and Wilson Electronics Co. in 1999. The latest purchase is part of a strategic move to gain market share in both the travel center and the CB dealer channels by offering four different brands of CB antennas, including Barjan's own. It is also the latest step in
an ongoing expansion program that has more than quadrupled Barjan's sales in the last four years.
"Francis antennas are well-known in the travel center market, but they are not generally carried by CB dealers," said Steve Huber, Barjan president. "Since we have a strong presence in both channels, we believe we can increase sales of the Francis brand, and we also expect this acquisition to build business for Barjan as a whole by continuing to expand the breadth and
depth of product we have to offer."
Barjan expanded to the CB dealer channel when it acquired Wilson Electronics last year, using Wilson's established customer base as an entry point. Barjan now has a dedicated sales force that calls on CB dealers.