The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), the global industrial-technology company owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, has purchased the majority stake in the Italian, family-owned Armi Perazzi S.p.A., well-known as a manufacturer of high-quality shotguns for sport shooters and hunters.
Every Perazzi shotgun, of which the company produces approximately 1,500 units per year, is custom-made according to the customer’s requirements and takes six months to produce, from component machining to testing. Modern technology is used for production, but a significant portion of each Perazzi shotgun is handmade by experienced gunsmiths. Typically, the owners of Perazzi firearms are successful competitive shooters and Olympic medalists. One such individual is the Czech Olympic gold medal winner in trap at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, David Kostelecký.
The company’s founder was Daniele Perazzi, an Italian gunsmith who realized his dream of producing the highest-quality shotguns worldwide when he founded the Armi Perazzi company in 1957. Located in Botticino, Lombardy, Italy, the company is currently led by Daniele’s descendants, Mauro and Roberta Perazzi. With CSG acquiring an 80-percent stake in the company, the Perazzi siblings will share the remaining 20 percent equally. The business will continue to be run by the Perazzi family and the current management team.
CSG’s purchase of a majority stake in Perazzi arrives hot on the heels of the company signing an agreement with NYSE-listed U.S. company Vista Outdoor to acquire its Sporting Products division, which manufactures small-caliber ammunition from top brands such as Federal and Remington. The acquisition of Armi Perazzi proves that CSG is systematically working on its strategic plan to build itself as a global leader in the sport shooting and hunting category.
The acquisition process on the selling side was assisted by the Milan-based consulting and investment company FAI, with legal advice provided by the law firm Gianni & Origoni.
The purchase of Perazzi marks CSG’s second major acquisition in Italy. Last year, CSG acquired a majority stake in Fiocchi Munizioni, manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition, which operates production facilities in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, where it has two production sites—one in Ozark, Missouri, and the second in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Perazzi serves the American market through its subsidiary, Perazzi USA Inc., located in Azusa, California. Perazzi USA is the sole importer and distributor for the U.S. market.
“The decision to find a strategic partner to whom we would sell a majority stake in the company was motivated by our desire to ensure a secure future, sustainable growth and strengthen the company’s unique position in the global luxury arms market,” Mauro Perazzi said. “We decided to partner with CSG, which also has roots as a family business, because CSG understands our history and business philosophy.”
CSG products can be found on all continents. More than 10,000 employees work for companies incorporated into the CSG holding, along with related companies. In 2022, CSG’s consolidated revenues reached more than $1 billion.
“With CSG’s entry into Armi Perazzi, we expect to strengthen our competitiveness,” Roberta Perazzi said. “We see CSG as a strong, successful multinational company that will allow us to continue to produce prestigious hunting and sporting firearms. CSG will help us succeed in the market and open up new business opportunities with its experience.”
Michal Strnad, owner of CSG, commented on the acquisition of Armi Perazzi.
“Armi Perazzi is a prestigious brand in the field of firearms for sport shooters and elite hunters,” Strnad said. “At the same time, it is a stable and prosperous company that the Perazzi family excellently manages. The motivation for this acquisition is not only financial but also to strengthen CSG’s international prestige and reputation as a global and innovative industrial group expanding in Europe and the USA.”
CSG’s manager responsible for the acquisition of Armi Perazzi and its future development is CSG Investment Director Stanislav Kuba, who summarized the goals for the company’s further development.
“We want to maintain the excellence and exclusivity of Armi Perazzi products, bring new customers to the company, and also to leverage its strong brand, especially in connecting CSG further to the shooting sports,” Kuba said.
Perazzi’s guns have helped top shooters from multiple countries capture 62 Olympic medals at 11 Olympics. A longtime user of Perazzi shotguns is the aforementioned sport shooter and successful Czech trapshooting competitor David Kostelecký, who commented on the fact that the company is being acquired by a Czech owner.
“I have an excellent partnership with Armi Perazzi that has lasted for more than 20 years. They provide me not only with their great shotguns, but also with constant service and support,” Kostelecký said. “I know Mauro and Roberta Perazzi very well, having visited their Lombardy factory on several occasions. They are great people and responsible entrepreneurs. I am very happy that this prestigious Italian company is becoming a part of CSG, and I look forward to continuing our relationship.”
