RSBC takes over: New era for STEYR ARMS

The Austrian traditional company STEYR ARMS has been part of the Czech investment group RSBC since April 23, 2024. The RSBC Group has acquired 100% of the shares in Steyr Arms from the previous owner, the SMH Holding GmbH. The acquisition enables further growth and secures the location in Austria.

STEYR ARMS is a globally operating manufacturer of firearms for military and police as well as hunting and sports firearms with an impressive tradition in Austria dating back to 1864. The company employs more than 200 people in Austria and the USA. They generated a turnover of over 45 million euros last year. The flagship product is the Steyr AUG rifle, which is used by more than two dozen armies and special forces worldwide. Under the purchase agreement dated April 23, 2024, the private Czech investment group RSBC (Robert Schönfeld Business Consulting) has acquired the traditional company in its entirety.

“STEYR ARMS enjoys an excellent reputation and stands for trust and quality. We are convinced that the resources and comprehensive expertise of RSBC will contribute to the further growth of STEYR ARMS,” commented Robert Schönfeld, founder of RSBC Group, on the acquisition.

Synergies through RSBC Holding
The RSBC Group is establishing a new holding company which also includes the Slovenian production company AREX. AREX is a leading manufacturer of protective equipment, clothing, and training ammunition.
 
Tim Castagne, CEO of AREX with over three decades of experience in the defense industry, will lead the strategic development of both companies. By leveraging the combined product portfolio, research and development capabilities, and strengthening distribution and service channels, synergies are expected to be realized in the future. 

Milan Šlapák (pictured above), CEO of the RSBC Group, emphasizes: “The acquisition of STEYR ARMS is a unique opportunity. We are proud to be involved in the further development of the company. STEYR ARMS has an exceptional product portfolio, particularly in the area of hunting and sports firearms under the name STEYR-Mannlicher as well as rifles for military and police use. Gerhard Unterganschnigg, managing director of SMH Holding GmbH, adds: “Since our entry in 2007, STEYR ARMS has embarked on an impressive growth trajectory. Revenue has increased sevenfold. The number of employees has almost tripled. With RSBC as the new owner, STEYR ARMS can realize further growth opportunities and strengthen the Austrian location”.

ABOUT STEYR ARMS
STEYR ARMS, based in Steyr, Upper Austria, is one of the leading European manufacturers of rifles for hunting, police, and military use. Steyr ARMS was founded in 1864 as "Josef and Franz Werndl & Company, Waffenfabrik und Sägemühle in Oberletten" and was the largest firearms factory in the Austria-Hungary monarchy at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, STEYR ARMS employs over 200 people. In 2023, the company generated a turnover of more than 45 million euros. STEYR ARMS is strongly positioned in the areas of hunting rifles (STEYR Mannlicher) as well as firearms for police and military use. The Steyr AUG is one of the company's most successful products. More than two dozen armies worldwide are equipped with it. Due to its compact design, the Steyr AUG is also used by many police special units. Additionally, the company has a strong position in precision rifles, pistols, and accessories for professionals (military, police, special forces) and civilians (hunting, sports). STEYR ARMS also has a location in Bessemer, Alabama, USA.

ABOUT RSBC
RSBC Holding a.s. is a private investment group founded in 1998 by Robert Schönfeld to manage the portfolio of family assets restituted by the Czech Republic. RSBC is an investment group focusing on traditionally conservative investments that create long-term value but also on growth and expansion. RSBC's strategy is to identify unique opportunities and develop and exploit them through a combination of investments and active management based on generations of experience and knowledge. RSBC is built on a solid foundation of four pillars: real estate, private equity, investment funds, and asset management.

ABOUT AREX
The headquarters and production of AREX are located in Šentjernej, Slovenia. The company was founded in 1994 and currently employs around 160 employees. In the 10,000 m² Slovenian production facility, AREX is specialized in practice ammunition of all calibers, the production of semi-automatic pistols, weapon holsters, modern production lines for ammunition manufacturers, armor-piercing ammunition, and much more. The company also supplies the market with other equipment for armed forces, including protective helmets and vests, special backpacks, knives, and other technical solutions. A large part of the production is destined for the demanding and competitive markets in Western Europe and the USA. AREX's customers also include major defense industry companies in NATO countries, the Middle East, and South America, such as Brazil. The company also supplies the Slovenian army.