Colt CZ Group Makes Offer For Vista's Ammo Brands

Colt CZ Group made an unsolicited proposal to purchase the Sporting Products Division of Vista Outdoor—which includes Federal, CCI, Remington Ammunition and others—just before Thanksgiving. The combined cash and stock offer would assign a $30 value to each share of Vista Outdoor Common stock. That amount, according to a Reuters news report, is a gain of $4 for each investor as of Nov. 23, but down from the high company shares hit only two months before.

On Oct. 15, Vista Outdoor issued a press release announcing its entry into a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products business to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) for an enterprise value of $1.91 billion in an all-cash transaction. Conversely, calculations in the Reuter’s article reflect Colt CZ Group’s offer has a lower total value—roughly $1.7 billion. Prior to any change customary closing conditions must be met, including investor and regulatory approval.

Vista Outdoor’s Board of Directors has not made any determination with respect to the Colt CZ Proposal or weighed how its framework compares to the existing merger agreement with CSG, which remains in effect. Nor has the board changed its recommendation in support of the acquisition of its Sporting Products business by CSG.

Colt CZ Group’s proposal has another facet to weigh in its decision. “We would keep the company together, allowing continued upside for current Vista shareholders with the 'New Vista' retaining its listing in the U.S.,” the company told Reuters.

Vista Outdoor’s Board of Directors will review the Colt CZ Proposal, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and obligations under the existing merger agreement with CSG in consultation with its financial and legal advisors.

Vista Outdoor is the parent company of more than three dozen brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products. Its family of firms includes Bushnell, CamelBak, Bushnell Golf, Foresight Sports, Fox Racing, Bell Helmets, Camp Chef, Giro, Simms Fishing, QuietKat, Stone Glacier, Federal Ammunition, Remington Ammunition and more.