Under the agreement, NationWide Digital Monitoring Co., the wholesale monitoring division of New York Merchants Protective Co., Inc., will develop an authorized Smith & Wesson Security Services program, which it plans to market to select security dealers in North America beginning in 2009. The program will provide security dealers access to both wireless and hardwired professional grade electronic security products, branded with the Smith & Wesson name and logo, along with dedicated monitoring services. Each system will be available in multiple price and feature packages, allowing for applications in both residential and commercial environments.

"We're excited to partner with Smith & Wesson, a historic company and an iconic brand name, to offer a truly unique product assortment to security dealers nationwide," said Wayne Wahrsager, President of NationWide Digital Monitoring. "Our initiative combines two nationally recognized names in the business of security. By teaming up under this licensing agreement, we provide dealers the opportunity to deliver products and services distinguished by trusted brand names that stand for first-rate quality, reliability and safety."

NationWide Digital Monitoring will receive exclusive rights to use the Smith & Wesson name and logo to market its alarm dealer program in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Through a select group of dealers, both residential and commercial end users will receive access to the new Smith & Wesson brand products, as well as access to exclusive alarm monitoring services from the Smith & Wesson NationWide Monitoring Center in New York. The program will allow both the alarm dealers and the subscribers to access services and features that will not be readily available to the general public or alarm dealers outside the Smith & Wesson Security Services network.

Michael F. Golden, President & CEO of Smith & Wesson, said, "We are excited about our new licensing agreement with NationWide Digital and the entry of our brand name into the market for security products and services. We selected NationWide Digital because of its innovative system design and its access to and reputation with an extensive nationwide dealer network For well over 100 years, NationWide's parent company, New York Merchants Protective Co., and Smith & Wesson, have both stood for safety and security in the eyes of consumers and professionals. Expanding on our own dedication to personal safety and protection, the Smith & Wesson Security Services program will bring the best in security offerings to dealers and their customers."

Under the Smith & Wesson Security Services program, dealers will utilize a full portfolio of marketing materials including brochures, videos, print ads and TV advertising. Web sites explaining the program to both dealers and end users will also be available.