RSBC Group Acquires a Stake in Verney-Carron

RSBC, the Czech private investment group, has acquired what they describe as a ‘strategic stake’ in Verney-Carron, the oldest and last-standing private manufacturer of small arms in France. A press release from RSCB explains that “the transaction, carried out in partnership with French distributor Rivolier, includes the tactical weapons brand Lebel, which supplies armed forces and security units.” The release goes on to note that “this strategic move marks RSBC’s entry into the French defence market and complements its existing European investments in STEYR ARMS (Austria) and AREX (Slovenia)”, this expands RSBC Defence’s portfolio considerably.

Verney-Carron, based in Saint-Étienne was founded in 1820, and is known for its sporting firearms and for its line of defence products under its Lebel trademark. Cybergun took a controlling stake in the company in 2022 but back in February 2025 it was revealed that the company had entered bankruptcy and were in search of an industrial partner to help stabilise the company.

Milan Šlapák, CEO of STEYR ARMS and Chairman of RSBC DEFENCE Holding, said: "We at RSBC are absolutely thrilled to announce the acquisition of Verney-Carron, in partnership with the esteemed Rivolier. Both companies share the same values and culture, making this collaboration a perfect fit. The addition of Verney-Carron, including its Lebel division, significantly enhances our product portfolio in the hunting, military, and security market segments. With Verney-Carron's 200-year legacy and STEYR ARMS' 164-year history, both renowned for their unmatched precision and unique offerings, we are extremely proud to continue this remarkable legacy," The investment group says that the acquisition of Verney-Carron “reinforces the strategic role of AREX within RSBC’s broader defence ecosystem and opens new opportunities for collaboration while preserving its operational autonomy.”

"Verney-Carron is a symbol of French arms-making tradition, and at the same time a company with the potential to become a leader on an international market. The partnership with a European investor like RSBC opens up entirely new opportunities for development, production, and expansion into global markets,” Arnaud van Robais, Chairman of Rivolier “We see this step as a new beginning and one that comes without the need for relocation or job cuts," says.