Italian Gunmaker Beretta Accused of Threatening 'War' in Takeover Row with US-Based Ruger

Beretta allegedly plotted to acquire up to 50% of America's largest firearms manufacturer, Sturm Ruger & Co.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A polished, chrome-plated handgun lying on a clean, monochromatic background, using dramatic lighting and shadows to symbolize the corporate power struggles in the firearms industry.A tense boardroom battle over control of America's firearms industry exposes the high-stakes competition and national security concerns surrounding foreign investment in this sensitive sector.Southport Today

Italian gunmaker Beretta has been accused of plotting to acquire up to 50% of America's biggest firearms maker, Sturm Ruger & Co., and allegedly threatening to 'go to war' in a months-long boardroom brawl, according to a report from The New York Post. Ruger, based in Southport, Connecticut, claimed in its annual proxy that the board seats and ownership level Beretta demanded would trigger a mandatory CFIUS review, implicating sensitive national security issues.

Why it matters

This dispute between two major firearms manufacturers highlights the high-stakes competition and tensions within the US gun industry, where consolidation and foreign investment are increasingly common. The national security implications of a foreign company potentially gaining significant control over a leading American gun maker are also significant.

The details

According to the report, Beretta has been engaged in a 'nasty months-long boardroom brawl' with Sturm Ruger & Co. in an attempt to acquire up to 50% of the US-based firearms manufacturer. Ruger claimed in its annual proxy that the ownership level and board seats Beretta was demanding would trigger a mandatory review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which oversees transactions that could impact national security.

  • The dispute between Beretta and Ruger has been ongoing for several months.

The players

Beretta

An Italian gunmaker that has been accused of plotting to acquire up to 50% of America's largest firearms manufacturer, Sturm Ruger & Co.

Sturm Ruger & Co.

America's biggest firearms maker, based in Southport, Connecticut, that has accused Beretta of threatening 'war' in a months-long boardroom brawl over the Italian company's attempted acquisition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the high-stakes competition and national security implications involved as foreign companies seek greater control over America's firearms industry. It also underscores the ongoing tensions and consolidation trends within the US gun manufacturing sector.