RSBC Group acquires Steyr Arms
The Czech-based RSBC Holding Group – owner of the AREX D.O.O. company of Slovenia – announces the surprise takeover of the Austrian-based Steyr Arms company
RSBC Group acquires Steyr Arms
On April 24, 2024, the Czech-based RSBC Group investment holding, founded and owned by Robert Schönfeld, announced the takeover of Steyr Arms – previously known as Steyr-Mannlicher – via the acquisition of 100% of the company stakes from the previous owner, SMH Holding GmbH of Salzburg, Austria.
The AUG bull-pup rifle, Steyr's best-known product, was recently updated to the A3 M II version
Read our article: Steyr AUG A3-SA M2: the new and improved bull-pup rifle
The parties have decided not to disclose the price of the transaction. 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.
With well over 200 employees in Austria and the US and a turnover exceeding 45 million € in 2023, Steyr Arms is one of the world's best known and most active companies in the field of firearms for sporting, hunting and defensive purposes, as well as for military and law enforcement use.
The acquisition of Steyr Arms by RSBC paves the way for the foundation of a new holding that will see the Austrian company join AREX Defense of Slovenia, that has been under RSBC Group ownership since 2017 and has witnessed an important upheaval since 2021.
Tim Castagne – current CEO of AREX Defense, with thirty years of experience with companies such as SIG Sauer, Heckler & Koch, and Carl Zeiss Sport Optics – has already been appointed as the head of said new holding.
The Slovenian AREX Defense company has been under RSBC Holding Group ownership since 2017
"The acquisition of Steyr Arms is a once-in-a-generation opportunity," says RSBC Group CEO Milan Šlapák.
"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."
RSBC Group founder Robert Schönfeld sounds similarly enthusiastic:
"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."