STEYR ARMS, GmbH (STEYR ARMS), a globally operating manufacturing company specializing in the defense sector, is now part of Robert Schönfeld’s Czech investment group RSBC. The parties have decided not to disclose the price of the transaction.
The transaction closed on April 23rd 2024. RSBC Group takes over 100% of STEYR ARMS from the previous owner, SMH Holding GmbH. As a result, RSBC will be able to focus fully on the strategic development of STEYR ARMS, with particular emphasis on strengthening its position in foreign markets.
STEYR ARMS is a globally operating firearm manufacturer with a tradition dating back to 1864. STEYR ARMS has more than 200 employees in Austria and the USA. The company’s turnover for 2023 exceeded EUR 45 million. STEYR ARMS is a major global supplier of firearms for police and military professionals as well as hunting rifles (STEYR Mannlicher). The flagship product is the Steyr AUG, which is used by more than two dozen armies and a number of special police units.
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 defense sectors. We firmly believe that the range, resources and deep expertise of RSBC will contribute to the successful growth of STEYR ARMS.
Robert Schönfeld, founder of the RSBC investment and industrial group
Since the takeover in 2007, STEYR ARMS has undergone a steep growth path. Sales increased sevenfold and the number of employees almost tripled. Today, the company’s innovative and high-quality products are very popular worldwide, especially among professional users such as the police and military. With RSBC as the new owner, further growth opportunities in sales and earnings can be tapped in the future by exploiting synergies, thus further strengthening the position of this Austrian manufacturing plany
Gerhard Unterganschnigg, Managing Director of SMH Holding Gmbh
The acquisition of STEYR Arms is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We are proud to be involved in the further development of its legacy. STEYR ARMS has an exceptional product portfolio especially in the field of long guns for the military and law enforcement, and also in the category of hunting and sporting rifles.
Milan Šlapák, CEO of RSBC Group
RSBC Group forms a new holding, which includes both STEYR ARMS and a Slovenian production company AREX, which was acquired in 2017 as the first asset of the RSBC Defence Group Fund. New holding will be led by Tim Castagne, the current CEO of AREX, who has more than three decades of experience in the defense industry.
The new holding will contribute to the strategic development of both companies. Future synergies will recruit from the combined product portfolios, research and development capacity as well as from strengthening of sales and service channels.
Source: RSBC Group news release
