Montana Silversmiths and Big Sky Carvers have merged and are now operating jointly under the new company umbrella identity of The Montana Group Inc.

"Both companies will very much maintain their own strong and long-standing brands," said Dennis Potzman, president of Montana Silversmiths and new CEO of The Montana Group. "The rich history of quality products and quality people within these two companies are their core values. We only hope to make both even stronger with an integrated effort."

Montana Silversmiths was founded in 1973 in Columbus and has been headquartered there since.

Montana Silversmiths produces gifts, home decor and leather accessories.

Eric and Marc Pierce founded Big Sky Carvers in 1980 as a woodworking shop specializing in decorative wooden duck decoys.

The company has expanded its wildlife, lodge and outdoor themes in thousands of other products.

Pierce remains a significant shareholder and board member of the new company, and will act as executive vice president, concentrating on product and retailer development.

The new company will maintain offices in both Montana locations, manufacturing facilities in Manhattan and Columbus. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.