The parent companies of both Colt and CZ have been negotiating a deal that may make firearms history. CZ is looking to buy out Colt following years of financial trouble for the iconic American firearms company.
While some people may not like the idea of a Czech firm swooping in to buy up one of the most storied manufacturers in American history, gun enthusiasts might see this in a completely different light. CZ might not be a household name like Colt, but gun owners everywhere know about CZ.
According to the CZ Group, the two have agreed to initial terms and CZ is now performing due diligence work before finalizing the deal. CZ expects to finish the due diligence period by the end of January 2021.
“The parties have reached an agreement in principle on key commercial parameters of the transaction,” said the CZ Group in a statement (.pdf). “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.”
“Assuming achievement of these contingencies, the closing of the transaction would be subject to regulatory approval.” CZ added that while they have made “significant progress” in the agreement, the buyout will depend on the results of their full assessment of Colt’s capabilities and debts.
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Although gun sales in the U.S. have steadily increased over the past decade — and are currently booming — Colt’s debts have been a serious problem that the company has not been able to shake leading to bankruptcy and restructuring following the loss of key military contracts.
Things couldn’t be more different for CZ and it’s subsidiaries. The company has kept up with market demands, supplying customers with an increasingly wide variety of new and innovative designs while expanding their business at the same time.
Colt and CZ have collaborated in the past. In the late ’90s, Colt turned to CZ to develop a pistol based on CZ designs with the look and feel of a 1911, chambered in .40 S&W for police contracts. The deal didn’t go far but then that agreement is nothing like what CZ and Colt are trying now.
The question remains, what will a CZ-operated Colt’s Manufacturing look like? Hopefully a lot like Dan Wesson. CZ acquired Dan Wesson Firearms in 2005 in a move that revitalized the American company while preserving its legacy.
In any case, time will tell how this plays out. If the deal is approved, we can hope to see success in Colt’s future, and we might even get some more collaborations between the two companies.