RemArms (Remington)
Remington brand reborn after Sandy Hook bankruptcy — original was first gun maker held liable under PLCAA exception
Overview
The original Remington Arms Company is the oldest firearms brand in the United States, founded in 1816, though the current RemArms LLC is a new legal entity operating under the licensed Remington brand name following two bankruptcies and a complete ownership change. It filed for bankruptcy twice: first in March 2018 (exiting May 2018 after shedding ~$775M in debt), and again in July 2020 (Chapter 11, leading to asset sale to Roundhill Group/RemArms).
The Remington brand was acquired by RemArms LLC and continues manufacturing. The original Remington entity's insurance companies paid $73 million to settle claims by Sandy Hook families — the first time gun manufacturers were held financially accountable for a mass shooting. The settlement was made possible because the lawsuit argued Remington violated Connecticut's unfair trade practices law by marketing military-style weapons to civilians, an exception to PLCAA's liability shield.
Key Personnel
Ken D'Arcy
CEO, RemArmsLeads the reconstituted Remington brand, attempting to rebuild the historic name after bankruptcy and Sandy Hook.
Legislative Wins / Policy Impact
- Benefited from PLCAA for years before Sandy Hook exception case
- Sandy Hook case ultimately resulted in first major PLCAA exception being recognized