Beretta Reportedly Plans to Increase Sturm Ruger Stake to 25%

Italian gunmaker Beretta is expected to launch a bid to raise its stake in U.S. firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE: RGR) to 25%, according to a report on Thursday from the Italian newspaper *Il Sole 24 Ore*. The move would significantly increase Beretta's influence over its American peer, granting it the ability to appoint two members to the company's board of directors.

Details of the Reported Bid

The newspaper, citing sources described as close to the matter, reported that the bid could be launched "in the coming hours." The planned transaction would more than double Beretta's current holding from its existing 10% stake.

A 25% ownership position is a significant threshold, moving an investor from a largely passive role to one of substantial influence. Securing two board seats would give Beretta a direct voice in Sturm Ruger's strategic planning, corporate governance, and key operational decisions. Beretta did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

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Context of the Transaction

This development follows a related announcement from Sturm Ruger on Wednesday. The U.S. company confirmed that the necessary regulatory conditions under a previously disclosed cooperation agreement with Beretta had been satisfied.

This clearance appears to have paved the way for Beretta to deepen its investment. For investors, the move signals a strengthening strategic alliance between the two major players in the global firearms industry, potentially leading to closer collaboration on technology, manufacturing, or distribution.