RUAG International withdraws from defence with Ammotec sale
As part of the agreement, the Swiss Federal Council sought a guarantee from Beretta for the Ammotec facility in Thun. (Photo: RUAG International)
RUAG International has concluded an agreement on the sale of its Ammotec business unit to Beretta Holding.
As envisaged by the Swiss Federal Council in its divestment strategy, RUAG International has concluded the agreement to divest its Ammotec business to Beretta for an undisclosed sum.
The announcement of potential sale had been announced in the Swiss Parliament in Autumn 2021.
For RUAG International, this sales agreement confirms its strategy of evolving from a state-owned defence enterprise into a technology provider with a focus on space.
André Wall, CEO of RUAG International, commented on the significance of this sale: ‘We are taking the next step to withdraw from the defence-related business completely’.
RUAG Ammotec is a leading European supplier of small-calibre ammunition
The decision to withdraw from the defence sector was made during the COVID-19 pandemic amid a tough economic environment.
In October 2020, RUAG International claimed it was losing nearly CHF3 million ($3.2 million) a month.
In response, the company announced in March 2021 that it had transferred all shares in its RUAG Aerospace Services subsidiary to General Atomics Europe.
In November of the same year, RUAG announced it was in the negotiation process to sell its simulation and training business to Thales.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”]()
Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”
The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.
-
![Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force]()
Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force
It has been more than six weeks since the Irish general election. After long negotiations, a coalition of two of the three largest parties and independents has resulted in a Programme for Government (PfG) which will form the basis of a government almost guaranteed to be formed on 22 January.
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
