Jan. 24, 2005 – United Turf Industries, which supplies, designs and installs high-performance synthetic surfaces for residential and commercial use, has announced it has merged with VersaSport International, LLC.
The newly-merged company’s core products include UTI’s award-winning SofTrak synthetic putting greens, found in the backyards of PGA Tour players like Fred Couples, Bruce Lietzke and thousands of amateur golfers worldwide.
VersaCourt Innovative Sport Surfaces is the second flagship product line for the organization. These custom designed courts, which are engineered to increase player safety, are ideal for family fun as well as organized sports activities such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, inline hockey and others.
The products compliment each other and perform so well that VersaSport principals Danny Little and Jerry Marti of Lamar, MO, struck the deal with United Turf Industries’ Founder and President Lance Pierce of Wichita, KS. As part of the merger negotiations, Lance Pierce agreed to join the VersaSport organization as President and a principal partner. All other employees of United Turf Industries will also be joining the VersaSport team. “We’re excited about the future because of the increased resources for research, product development and marketing that will be derived as a result of this merger,” said Lance Pierce.
“Our organization’s primary focus is helping our dealers and end customers derive even more value and benefits through their relationship with VersaSport International and the use of its products,” said Danny Little, Chief Executive Officer VersaSport International, LLC. Prior to creating VersaSport International, Mr. Little was President & CEO of Lamar Bank and Trust Company.
United Turf Industries marketed the SofTrak line of synthetic putting greens through an international network of dealers. “Part of VersaSport’s long term strategy will be an intense focus on keeping its existing product lines on the growing edge of its industry and expansion into new related products and services that bring increased value to its dealers and customers,” said Little. VersaSport International will continue to market the SofTrak Putting Greens along with its VersaCourt line through its international dealer network that had been developed by United Turf Industries.
About VersaCourt Innovative Sport Surfaces
VersaCourt is an innovative athletic court and flooring system, which incorporates the most recent advancements in technology to ensure a comfortable, safe surface ideal for indoor and outdoor courts.
VersaCourt is highly durable, virtually maintenance free and maintains a lush, neat appearance and performance in most all conditions. The multi-directional flex technology allows for expansion and contraction in extreme temperature changes and rapidly and effectively allows water to drain away underneath the playing surface.
VersaSport helps families and businesses design custom court systems. With 11 colors to choose from and courts for 15 different games, virtually any court design for single or multiple game uses – something for all ages and game preferences – is accommodated. VersaCourt court components include fencing systems, adjustable net systems, lighting systems, and basketball, hockey, soccer and lacrosse goals.
About SofTrak Putting Greens
From homes to commercial venues, golfers and businesses are turning to SofTrak for its convenience, affordability, and high performance. SofTrak's design-and-construction process parallels that of a live PGA quality natural turf green. Furthermore, SofTrak's proprietary RQS in-fill material is unique to the industry in that it resists hardening over time, ensures it provides consistent-rolling putts and it 'holds' shots from more than 150 yards away. The surface fibers of SofTrak greens are UV-ray resistant to help maintain their lush, green appearance.
For information about SofTrak and VersaCourt, call 800.540 .4899 or visit www.versasport.com.
