Colt CZ Group SE Completes Acquisition of Sellier & Bellot
Colt CZ Group SE, commonly referred to as Colt CZ, has successfully acquired a 100% interest in Sellier & Bellot a.s., marking a significant expansion for the firearms and ammunition giant. The acquisition, valued at $703 million, was achieved through a combination of cash and the issuance of new Colt CZ common shares.
Sellier & Bellot, a renowned ammunition manufacturer, will now be part of the Colt CZ Group. The acquisition deal includes a cash payment of $350 million and the issuance of 13,476,440 new Colt CZ common shares. As a result, CBC Europe S.à r.l. (CBC), the selling entity, has gained a 27.71% stake in Colt CZ Group.
"We are proud that Sellier & Bellot is becoming one of the pillars of our Group together with the CZ and Colt brands."
The newly issued shares and the consolidation of Sellier & Bellot into Colt CZ became effective on May 16, 2024. The acquisition was financed through Colt CZ’s existing cash reserves and additional debt financing, with loans maturing in 2029.
Following this strategic acquisition, CBC is expected to have a representative join the Colt CZ Supervisory Board, pending co-optation and shareholder approval. Additionally, Radek Musil, CEO of Sellier & Bellot, will join the Colt CZ Board of Directors with responsibility for the Ammunition segment. The current management structure of Sellier & Bellot will remain unchanged.
"We will continue to build on the tradition and strength of the Sellier & Bellot brand and take part of the Colt CZ's mission to provide innovative and high-quality products that customers can rely on in any situation."
Colt CZ Group is one of the leading producers of firearms and ammunition for military and law enforcement, personal defense, hunting, sport shooting, and other commercial uses. It markets and sells its products mainly under the Colt, CZ (Česká zbrojovka), Colt Canada, CZ-USA, Dan Wesson, Sellier & Bellot, Spuhr, swissAA, and 4M Systems brands.
Headquartered in the Czech Republic, Colt CZ Group employs over 3,600 people across its production facilities located in the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Hungary. Ownership of Colt CZ is divided among Česká zbrojovka Partners SE (54.5%), CBC Europe S.à r.l. (27.71%), with the remaining 17.8% being a free float.
This acquisition strengthens Colt CZ's position in the global firearms and ammunition market, leveraging Sellier & Bellot's established reputation and market presence.
Read more about Colt CZ.
