CZG Completes Colt Acquisition

by
posted on May 27, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
czg-completes-colt-acquisition.jpg

Česká Zbrojovka Group (CZG) announced on May 24 that it has secured all necessary regulatory approval from the U.S. and Canadian authorities, and successfully closed acquisition of 100 percent of the equity interest in Colt Holding Company (Colt)—the parent firm of Colt’s Manufacturing Company and Colt Canada Corporation. News of the purchase surfaced in February.

The merger brings significant operational, commercial and research and development synergies for the combined business, which generated pro-forma aggregated annual sales in excess of $570 million in 2020. CZG ‘s total employee count comes to 2,000 after the acquisition, with staff distributed across the Czech Republic, United States, Canada and Germany.

“With this acquisition, we have created a strategic relationship between CZG and Colt, which will bring significant opportunities for the group,” said Lubomir Kovarik, chairman and president of CZG. “We will focus on continuing to provide high-quality products to our customers in a seamless manner as we harness the many synergies generated by this acquisition. We are confident that this combination will create value for our customers and shareholders alike and strengthen these iconic brands. This merger also confirms our commitment to the North American market, which is an integral part of our growth strategy.”

The acquisition improves CZG’s production capacity and positions itself to become a leading firearm manufacturer and a key global supplier for military, law enforcement and commercial customers. The holding company is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and its stable of gun manufacturing firms also includes CZ, CZ-USA and Dan Wesson Firearms. 

“Colt is pleased to join forces with CZG,” said Dennis Veilleux, president and CEO of Colt. “We are proud of our heritage and believe that the strength of the combined businesses and the many synergies created by the merger will enable us to honor our roots while also securing the future of the Colt brand. We look forward to continuing to deliver our high-quality products while also investing in innovation and new product offerings in the near future. We believe in the successful connection of our corporate cultures, the proven track record of our teams and the complementary nature of the CZ and Colt brands.”

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.