The Keefe Report: Inside The CSG Group—Remain Calm

There are many rumors swirling around about the CSG Group’s pending purchase of Federal, CCI and Remington Ammunition. Like many of you, I was concerned. Vista Outdoor decided to separate its ammunition and accessory businesses. Then, in almost no time, a private purchaser announced it would buy the ammunition side. I, too, was curious and concerned about this pending acquisition.

That is until I sat down with David Stepan from the CSG Group. He and David Blenker, the president of Fiocchi here in the US, flew into NRA headquarters in Fairfax to alleviate any fears that might exist. Mine included. I have known David Blenker for more than 25 years. He is a longtime industry veteran, and a dear friend.

In case you didn’t know, CSG group, which is a privately owned Czech company, is in the process of buying some of the greatest names in American ammunition making. It’s not a done deal yet, but it looks like this is going to happen.

This is a company that already owns Fiocchi in Italy, as well as here. It also recently acquired Perazzi, the storied shotgun manufacturer.

I recently sat down with both Davids to ask questions about the pending sale, as well as the CSG’s commitment to the shooting sports and the American market.

Please forget and delete any Internet rumors. These are folks that have to live in Central Europe. They are members of the European Union, as well as members of NATO. No, these people would be the last in the world to supply any ammunition or artillery shells or anything else to Russia, and they are not moving any factories anywhere. They are business people with diverse interests both commercial and military—and a chief supplier to NATO.

As you can see for yourself in the interview, these are business people interested in purchasing a good business and building upon it. In my long career, I would say that Federal, CCI and Remington ammunition are better run than just about any point in their existence. Jason Vanderbrink, who oversees all of these great ammunition companies, is probably the best at what he does, hands-down. If you have any questions or concerns about the impending sale, watch the interview above.

This is not a done deal yet, but it will be soon. I am not concerned about the future of these great American brands, and you should not be either.