Rayovac Corporation is the third leading U.S. manufacturer of alkaline storage batteries and the market leader in other battery categories such as hearing aid, computer backup, heavy duty, lantern, and keyless entry. It also manufactures flashlights and other miscellaneous items. The company has played a leadership role in the U.S. battery industry since the early 1900s. After lagging behind Gillette's Duracell, Rayovac enjoyed a rebirth in 1996 when the Thomas H. Lee Group purchased the company and changed management. The company has been publicly traded since 1997.