Accuracy International, renowned UK-based precision rifle manufacturer, is set to become part of the FN Browning Group. Responsible for iconic designs such as the Arctic Warfare, AWM, and AXMC, the company was founded in 1978. The acquisition will see Accuracy International continue to operate under its own brand within FN Browning Group and it comes at an interesting time, as the British military seeks to overhaul its small arms inventory with procurements of new service rifles, machine guns and precision rifles planned into the 2030s.
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The deal gives FN a strong foothold in a market segment it has not previously engaged with – long-range precision rifles. “Accuracy International brings a unique and highly specialised expertise in precision rifle systems that perfectly complements our defence and security solutions, said Julien Compere, CEO of FN Browning Group, he added: “this transaction also directly contributes to the UK’s strategic autonomy in defence and reflects our long-term commitment to the United Kingdom and our role as a trusted industrial partner to the UK Ministry of Defence.”
The famous story goes that Accuracy International were just ‘three men in a shed’ when they won their Arctic Warfare was adopted by the British Army as the L96A1 in 1984. This success ensured the future of the company and today Accuracy International employs around 100 staff and has provided rifles to military and law enforcement customers across the globe.
Tom Irwin, Director of Accuracy International described joining the FN Browning Group as a “strong strategic opportunity for Accuracy International. We share the same culture of engineering excellence, performance and dependability. This agreement enables us to preserve what defines Accuracy International while benefiting from the scale, global footprint and long-standing institutional relationships of FN Browning Group.”
Intriguingly, FN’s announcement of the acquisition included official comment from Colonel Will Waugh, head of the British Army’s close combat procurement team, saying: “The MoD has a long history of working with both FN and Accuracy International with some of our most important small arms capabilities being procured from both companies. The joining of these companies is great news for the MoD and gives us continued access to cutting edge capabilities”
No value was announced for the acquisition and the agreement remains subject to regulatory approval.
This strategic move provides investment for Accuracy International and a key missing component to FN and helps to expand FN’s portfolio as more and more small arms companies shift to offer a ‘complete package’ of design and manufacturing capabilities to customers. FN now have two manufacturing facilities in the UK, with major UK small arms procurements imminent, it will be interesting to see if this new strategic acquisition influences the UK’s upcoming choices.
