Colt bought by CZ

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CapnMac

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Truth About Guns is reporting that CZ has bought up Colt.
Apparently struggling since emerging from bankruptcy in 2016, Colt has likely drawn the eye of potential buyers ever since. Now, thanks to CZ (Česká zbrojovka) parent company CZ Group’s public filings, we know it is attempting to purchase all of Colt’s Manufacturing Company‘s assets and is well along in this process.

Translated from an article in major German newspaper, Die Welt:

CZ is planning the complete takeover of the world-famous US company Colt – including its Canadian subsidiary. To this end, after research by WELT AM SONNTAG, a declaration of intent was signed. A spokeswoman for CZ Ceská Zbrojovka confirmed the plan in principle to the newspaper.

Since CZ Group became a public company in mid-2020, listed on the Prague Stock Exchange, we can see in the company’s own corporate filings that it’s deep in due diligence and negotiations for a potential purchase of Colt. In fact, the parties expect to wrap up the deal this month (bold text below added):

…further to our previous disclosure with respect to the Letter of Intent dated November 5, 2020 for the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding equity interest in Colt Holding Company LLC (“Colt”), CZG hereby informs that it has agreed with Colt on the extension of the exclusivity period to complete its due diligence until the end of January 2021.

The parties have reached an agreement in principle on key commercial parameters of the transaction and they continue discussing the technical parameters, regulatory review requirements, and legal terms and conditions of the transaction.

Execution of the definitive documentation for the transaction is estimated to take place by the end of January 2021, subject to completing the negotiations, finalizing the transaction documentation, and obtaining necessary approvals of the relevant stakeholders.

TTAG reached out for comment from the principals, but both parties referred us to the public filing linked and quoted above. We’ll bring you more details as we get them.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-cz-in-late-stage-talks-to-acquire-colt/

This could be interesting times for the Dancing Pony.
I would not be surprised if this is one of those international deals where CZ wanted rights to European sales of Colt products. CZ already having a US business presence (if memory serves)
 
CZ = good quality
My favorite small arms company. Not that there aren't some other good ones, but I really like CZ.
I'd guess that the future of Colt would be a lot better off under CZ ownership than yet another vulture capitalist group who just wants to see if they can cut enough costs to milk a few more dollars out of a venerable old American brand.

To add, I'd bet that the current/former Colt owners might be thrilled to find a buyer in these times when the risk of being put out of business in the US by the new administration and congress is absolutely real.
 
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Big surprise, Colt has been waning. They’ve been left behind long ago on AR’s, and have been a one trick pony in recent years up until restarting revolver production.

No big surprise CZ will breathe new life into them, CZ is a great company and has proven themselves in recent years with great offerings with stellar quality.
 
IDK, I suppose I feel like it is more of the traditional America being sold away. Just like Chrysler was sold to the Germans then given to the Italians or the collapse of Remington. :(

On the other hand, if the CZ merger brings Colt back to its glory days then its a good thing. :thumbup:
 
Colt and CZ are friends since long time long time, CZ is making 1911 already with a solid quality so far, outsourcing shotguns from Turkey, hunting rifles, AR / PCC and the like, a 22 pistol in polymer and SAA are the only weak links to the market today.
 
As I recollect, CZ used to make a .40 1911. I approve of almost anything CZ does. Better than Fiat purchasing Chrysler!
 
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