Italian gunmaker Beretta launches proxy fight for US firearms giant Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Core Viewpoint - Italian gun manufacturer Beretta is initiating a proxy fight to gain control of Sturm, Ruger and Co., the largest firearms maker in the U.S., by nominating four executives to the board [1][2]. Group 1: Beretta's Strategy - Beretta has built a 10% stake in Ruger and aims to nominate four executives to the nine-member board to increase its influence [1]. - The nominees include notable figures such as William Franklin Detwiler, Mark DeYoung, Frederick Disanto, and Michael Christodolou [2]. Group 2: Ruger's Current Situation - Ruger has experienced a decline in sales and share price, with its stock price dropping over 40% in the past four years [4]. - As of the latest close, Ruger's market capitalization is approximately $581 million [4]. Group 3: Background and Context - Beretta, founded in 1526, generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and has been actively acquiring competitors, including RUAG Ammotec in 2022 [6]. - The U.S. firearms market is the largest in the world, and Beretta is seeking to enhance its presence in this market [6]. - Ruger adopted a one-year shareholder rights plan to counter Beretta's growing stake, which is a strategy often referred to as a "poison pill" [5].