Beretta Holding, through its German subsidiary Steiner, announced on monday the acquisition of STS, based in Beavercreek, Ohio (USA), and Diffraction Ltd, based in Burlington Vermont (USA), both held by The O'Gara Group.

The companies offer leading edge solutions in the field of night vision and related technologies relying on the strength of a solid and multifunctional team of highly skilled engineers. The two acquisitions represent an important strategic step in increasing the Group’s product offering in the field of electro-optics.

STS and Diffraction’s products utilize advanced technology recognized worldwide and primarily used by Western countries’ special forces, including the United States (all branches of the US military, government and law enforcement agencies) to many other agencies around the world (including Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Norway, etc.).

The acquisition was completed on December 31st using the Group’s own financial resources without any external funding.

STS and Diffraction allow a further strengthening of Beretta Holding into the electro-optics sector, which currently accounts for approximately 15% of the total revenue of the Group, with offerings that includes a range of products and solutions in the electro-optics field, including aiming devices, oculars, laser pointers and portable illumination systems.

This partnership is expected to drive a significant increase of technology and production synergies in the design and marketing of new products and solutions in an industry characterized by a high technological content, where the Group will continue to analyze the possibilities of further growth and integration.

An additional strategic benefit of the transaction for the Beretta Group is the ability to strengthen its presence in the US, where the Group currently generates more than 50% of sales and where investments for the transfer of the activities of Beretta USA to a new production facility located in Tennessee are currently being completed.