Beretta takes over Holland & Holland

Beretta Holdings has now significantly expanded its presence in the UK after signing an agreement to buy 100% of the prestigious Holland & Holland brand. The takeover took place on 1 February 2021.

Beretta says that it has been seeking to acquire a premium luxury brand for a while now and Holland & Holland fits the bill perfectly. The British gun-making company makes some of the world’s finest handmade shotguns and rifles for an international clientele.

Karl Waktare, managing director of Beretta UK importer GMK comments:  ‘This is a really exciting development for Holland and Holland and the whole Beretta Group. Together I am sure we can build a great future.”

Holland & Holland was established in 1835 and holds two Royal Warrants, for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales. Beretta’s history goes back even further. The company was founded in the 16th century, making it the oldest active manufacturer of firearm components in the world.

Beretta is keen to stress that it wishes to maintain the valuable heritage of Holland & Holland, with its attention to skilled craftmanship.

Pietro Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Beretta Holding commented: “This is a truly exciting development and a great achievement for the Beretta family, further increasing the Group’s international footprint. Faced with the Brexit challenges, I am very pleased to increase our direct presence in the important UK market, where we are already active with our well-established distribution subsidiary.”

Holland & Holland also owns valuable shooting grounds in Northwood, north west of London which are popular with novice shooters, shooters wishing to hone their technique and those wishing to host a day’s shooting. A few years ago the company opened an indoor rifle cinema.  The grounds employ some highly respected shooting instructors and also have conference facilities.