Easton-Bell Sports said Monday that it is expanding into the sport of lacrosse with the acquisition of privately held lacrosse equipment manufacturer Talon Lacrosse.

The Van Nuys sporting goods equipment maker said Talon co-founders Doug Appleton, Cort Kim and Blake Kim will join the company, with Appleton serving as general manager of the new division. Talon is headquartered in San Carlos in the Bay Area.

“Talon’s lacrosse product knowledge and passion for the game combined with Easton’s R&D resources and distribution channels provide a solid foundation for Easton’s entrance into a growth market for sporting goods equipment, said Chief Executive Paul Harrington.

The lacrosse division will be located in Scotts Valley, north of Santa Cruz, where Easton-Bell has its Giro protective sports gear business.