The Czech investment group RSBC, has acquired Austria-based firearms manufacturer Steyr Arms, distributed in the UK by Sportsman Gun Centre.
The transaction places Steyr Arms entirely under the ownership of RSBC, which purchased the company from its previous owner, SMH Holding GmbH. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The acquisition comes as part of RSBC’s strategy to bolster its footprint in the defence sector. Previously in 2017, RSBC expanded its defence portfolio by acquiring Slovenian arms producer AREX. With the addition of Steyr Arms, RSBC plans to form a new holding company that will spearhead the strategic development of both companies under the leadership of Tim Castagne, the current CEO of AREX.
Robert Schönfeld, founder of RSBC, expressed confidence in the acquisition, stating, “Steyr Arms has an excellent reputation and tradition in the world. It stands for trust and quality. Its products are among the best in the hunting, civilian, and defence sectors. We firmly believe that the range, resources, and deep expertise of RSBC will contribute to the successful growth of Steyr Arms.”
Milan Šlapák, CEO of RSBC Group, also highlighted the significance of this acquisition, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to advance the legacy of a major player in the long guns sector for military and law enforcement.
The new partnership is expected to drive innovation and growth for Steyr Arms by leveraging collaborations in product portfolios, research and development capabilities, and strengthened sales and service channels.
This strategic acquisition signals RSBC’s commitment to expanding its influence in the defence industry, aligning with its broader investment strategy aimed at securing long-term value and tapping into unique market opportunities. As Steyr Arms integrates into RSBC’s portfolio, industry observers will be closely watching the potential enhancements to its hunting product offerings and market strategies under this new ownership.
Founded in 1864, Steyr Arms is recognised for its long-standing tradition in firearm manufacturing, with a substantial presence in the markets for hunting rifles, military and police firearms. Employing over 200 staff across its operations in Austria and the USA, the company reported a turnover exceeding EUR 45 million in 2023.
www.steyr-arms.com
www.rsbcgroup.com