As much as it happens in fishing, the paintball industry is worse with the buyouts. One common thing in paintball and could be the case with Sebile is that when a business sells out they wont sell the intellectual properties and certain patents they have. They sell the name and current product lineup (however modifications must be changed to current products if there is a patent on a certain part or feature). Selling companies then usually start another company under a different name i.e. Smart Parts to GOG, or sell the patents and rights at auction to bring in even more money. Without knowing the terms of the deal with Sebile its hard to explain the reason for change, it could be as a as cutting cost or Sebile wouldn't put certain properties and patents in the deal forcing a change in products.

I thought Sebile himself was still involved with the company.  Maybe I'm wrong?

@J Francho he is. But that doesnt mean he has say on what will be produced. 

Sometimes with massive growth, the company needs input and giudance from a board to be able to stay profitable.  They will generally send support in the form of management to oversee things, and make sure everything is on track.  I haven't really seen anything negative happen through this with Sebile.  I do know many companies simply fail when it comes exponential growth.  No, he probably doesn't have final say, but I'm sure he's part of R&D, and that generally drives what is in the pipeline.  My GF is the HR Director for a startup R&D specializing in patented safe LiOn batteries and electrolyte fills.  They're at that crossroad now: sell, or scale up themselves.  In other words, it's not always a bad sign when a a company is taken over.