Editing Richmond Italia (section)

== GI Sportz ==

In 2005, an investment company acquired a majority interest in Procaps.

Following subsequent changes in ownership and management, Italia became involved in establishing a new paintball manufacturing business.[8]

In 2010, Italia led a group of paintball industry investors and professionals in establishing [[GI Sportz]] near Montreal, Quebec.

The company initially concentrated on paintball ammunition manufacturing.

Other participants in the business included experienced industry figures such as Dave "Opie" Thomas.[4]

After approximately 18 months of operation, GI Sportz acquired Procaps, bringing its established production facilities and brands back under Italia's leadership.

A company announcement issued in January 2012 confirmed that Italia had returned as president of Procaps.[8]

The combined business manufactured paintballs under the GI Sportz, DXS and Draxxus names and distributed VForce protective equipment.

=== Expansion through acquisitions ===

Under Italia's leadership, GI Sportz expanded through the acquisition of established paintball manufacturers.

On 20 December 2013, GI Sportz announced its acquisition of [[Tippmann Sports]], the American recreational marker manufacturer.

Italia was identified in the announcement as chairman and chief executive officer of GI Sportz.[9]

On 24 July 2015, GI Sportz announced its acquisition of [[KEE Action Sports]].

The transaction brought several additional brands into the GI Sportz portfolio, including [[Empire Paintball]], [[JT USA]] and [[Spyder]].[10]

These acquisitions established GI Sportz as a major international manufacturer and distributor of paintball equipment.