Czechoslovak Group

The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), formerly Excalibur Group, is a Czech industrial-technological holding company encompassing over 100 companies with over 10,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Prague, CSG operates in several sectors including defense, aerospace, ammunition, automotive, and railway industries.^[2] Since January 2018, the owner of the Czechoslovak Group is Michal Strnad, the son of the founder, Jaroslav Strnad.

CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a.s.

Czechoslovak Group HQ in Prague
Formerly	EXCALIBUR GROUP a.s. (until 2016)
Industry	Arms, automotive and aerospace industry holding company
Founder	Jaroslav Strnad [cs]
Headquarters	Prague , Czech Republic
Revenue	€ 1,73 billion (CZK 42 billion) (2023)
Operating income	10,500,000,000 Czech koruna (2023)
Net income	€ 0,21 billion (CZK 5 billion) (2023)
Total assets	€ 3,35 billion (CZK 85,2 billion) (2023)
Owner	Michal Strnad
Number of employees	over 10.000[1] (incl. subsidiaries) (2023)
Website	czechoslovakgroup.cz

While bulk of the CSG's operations is based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, CSG also operates factories in Germany,^[3] Serbia, Spain, Italy, United States, United Kingdom and India. In 2023, 72% of CSG's revenue originated from defense-related manufacturing. CSG exported its products to over 70 countries, with 66% of the CSG's revenue realized in NATO-member states. Outside of NATO, the main customers were from Ukraine (23% of CSG's revenue, down from 41% in 2022), Indonesia, Vietnam, and Morocco.^[4]

In October 2023, CSG announced a deal to purchase ammunition businesses owned by the US company Vista Outdoor in a deal valued at $1.91 billion, pending regulatory approval.^[5][6][7][8] Vista's sale to CSG has been protested by senators JD Vance, John Kennedy, representative Clay Higgins and National Sheriffs' Association.^[9]

History

CSG was founded in 1995, beginning as a small enterprise dealing in surplus military equipment. Under the leadership of its founder, Jaroslav Strnad, the company gradually expanded its scope, branching into manufacturing and service sectors. Over the years, CSG has evolved into a significant player in the industrial and defense sectors.^[10][11]

Supplies to Ukraine

CSG has been one of the leading European suppliers of defense and defense-related products to Ukraine. Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a number of Ukrainian arms developments were using Tatra 817 chassis, including 2S22 Bohdana howitzer, Bureviy rocket artillery system and R-360 Neptune cruise missile. Following the invasion, deliveries to Ukraine comprised 41% of CSG's revenue in 2022 and 23% in 2023.^[4] CSG's most notable sales to Ukraine include:^{[12][13][14][15]}

• 155mm and 152mm artillery rounds from factories in Slovakia and Spain,
• T-72 Avenger main battle tanks,
• BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles,
• RM 70 Vampire and BM-21 MT STRIGA multiple launch rocket systems,
• DANA M2 and DITA self-propelled howitzers.

Fiocchi Munizioni Acquisition

CSG acquired a 70% stake in Fiocchi Munizioni, an Italian munitions company. The deal was worth “hundreds of millions of euros”^[16] Fiocchi Munizioni’s focus is mainly civilian market.

The acquisition of Fiocchi Munizioni by Czechoslovak Group took over a year, including six months of negotiations with the Fiocchi family and an extended seven-month approval process from CFIUS, delayed by the war.^[17][18]

Vista Outdoor

In 2024, Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is set to acquire the Sporting Products business of Vista Outdoor Inc. for $1.91 billion. This deal, funded partly by $1.11 billion in debt financing and the rest by CSG, involves separating Vista Outdoor's Outdoor Products business, which will subsequently become Revelyst, Inc., a publicly traded company. Following the transaction, Revelyst will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GEAR," with Eric Nyman continuing as CEO and Andy Keegan joining as CFO.^[19][20]

Partnerships and Collaborations

CSG works closely with General Dynamics European Land Systems, a Madrid-based manufacturer of ground defence vehicles, eg. Pandur II, and Nexter Systems, a leading French manufacturer of military ground equipment.^[21][22]

MSM Acquisition

In May 2020, the Slovak MSM Group acquired the Spanish ammunition manufacturer Fábrica de Municiones de Granada (FMG), specialising in large caliber ammunition and missile components. After the deal, FMG continued its existing operations and export-focused production without managerial changes. This acquisition enabled MSM Group to expand into Western European ammunition markets, reinforcing its international presence and supply chain control.^[23][24]

Radar delivery

The US Army acquired POLR-1 radars, known as ReTwis 5, from Czech company Retia. This technology allows for detecting living organisms through walls and has been used by US special forces. ReTwis 5, offering high portability and UWB radio localization, has also been adopted by police units in Phoenix and San Antonio.^[25][26]

Training Afghan pilots

The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) partnered with Raytheon to train Afghan pilots and is the only private European operator of Black Hawk helicopters. CSG showcased this capability at the GLOBSEC 2019 Security Forum in Bratislava, emphasizing its support for NATO and the EU.

The forum, attended by key global figures, focused on geopolitical challenges and defense cooperation. CSG’s participation highlighted its industrial focus on international defense collaboration and expertise in advanced military technologies.^[27][28]

Caesar howitzers

The Czech Republic expanded its military capabilities by ordering an additional ten CAESAR self-propelled howitzers from French company Nexter Systems for EUR 77 million, bringing the total order to 62 units valued over EUR 450 million. This modernization program, replacing outdated DANA howitzers, involves significant collaboration with the Czech defense industry, including Tatra Trucks for chassis integration and Retia for communication systems. The CAESAR howitzers, to be delivered by 2026, will become the Czech armed forces' main artillery system.^[29][30][31]

RETIA's collaboration

Israel Aerospace Industries' MMR radars, known for advanced air surveillance and defense capabilities, successfully passed Czech Army military tests. The collaboration with Czech companies RETIA and VTU includes technology transfer for local production and maintenance of the radars. These systems, integrated into NATO frameworks, replace outdated Russian technology and enhance Czech defense infrastructure. The Czech defense industry's involvement constitutes around 30% of the total project value, showcasing significant local contribution and expertise in radar technology development.^[32][33][34]

TATRA vehicles

The Belgian Army, in a move to modernize its fleet, awarded DAF a contract for 879 military trucks, comprising both 4x4 and 8x8 vehicles, to be delivered between 2022 and 2025. This EUR 259 million contract includes trucks for various roles, with 40% featuring armored cabs. Additionally, DAF, in collaboration with Tatra Trucks, will provide unique chassis and engines for these vehicles, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The collaboration also ensures local maintenance and support, bolstering Belgium's defense infrastructure and capabilities.^[35][36][37]

Also, in 2023, Tatra Trucks, in cooperation with Rosenbauer, won a contract to supply 76 fire engines to the German Bundeswehr for forest firefighting. The vehicles, based on the Tatra T815-7 chassis with advanced features, will enhance the Bundeswehr's capabilities in combating forest fires.^[38][39]

Tatra Trucks delivered in 2022 the first Tatra Phoenix truck to the U.S. Army for use in their training grounds in Germany. This three-way all-wheel drive tipper truck is part of a broader engagement of Tatra Trucks with various world armies.^[40][41]

Notable holdings

Logo	Company	Headquarters	Focus	Share	Note / main products
CSG Defense
	EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o.	Šternberk, Czech Republic	Refurbishment and manufacturing of heavy arms	90%	T-72 Avenger tank Morana 155mm SPG RM 70 Vampire MLRS
	EXCALIBUR INTERNATIONAL a.s.	Prague, Czech Republic	Export agency for CSG companies
	TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE a.s. [cs]	Prague, Czech Republic	Wheeled armored military vehicles development and manufacturing	100%	Patriot MRAP TITUS MRAP Pandur II APC Armored cabs for Tatra trucks
	ZVS holding, a.s.	Slovakia	Tank and artillery ammunition production.
	VOP Nováky, a. s.	Slovakia	Production of rockets, grenades, etc.
	Fábrica de Municiones de Granada	Spain	Tank and artillery ammunition production.
	14. oktobar	Kruševac, Serbia	Heavy machinery manufacturing	100%
	REAL TRADE PRAHA a.s.	Šternberk, Czech Republic	International arms trade	91%	Licensing and transporting services for intl. arms trade
CSG Ammo+
	Fiocchi Munizioni	Lecco, Italy	Small arms ammunition manufacturer	70%	Operates also 2 factories in the USA.
	Baschieri & Pellagri ammunition	Bologna, Italy	Small arms ammunition manufacturer
	Lyalvale Express	Fisherwick, United Kingdom	Small arms ammunition manufacturer
CSG Aerospace
	Atrak a.s.	Prague, Czech Republic	Advanced air traffic control systems development	100%
	Česká letecká servisní a.s.	Prague, Czech Republic	Avionics integration for air-plane modernization
	CS SOFT a.s.	Prague, Czech Republic	Advanced air traffic control systems development	80%
	ELDIS Pardubice, s.r.o. [cs]	Pardubice, Czech Republic	Radar technology development and manufacturing	100%
	EUROPEAN AIR SERVICES s.r.o.	Prague, Czech Republic	Sales and modernization of aircraft, pilot training	87,3%	Operates fleet of 24 helicopters
	JOB AIR Technic a.s.	Mošnov, Czech Republic	Maintenance and servicing of airplanes	40,15%
	RETIA, a.s. [cs]	Pardubice, Czech Republic	Radars, air-defense systems, ISTAR systems, command and control systems	100%
	Slovak Training Academy s.r.o.	Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia	Pilot training	100%
	UpVision s.r.o.	Prague, Czech Republic	Drone technology and drone defense developer
CSG Mobility
	Avia Motors s.r.o.	Prague, Czech Republic	Light truck manufacturing	100%	Established 1919 (currently defunct[42])
	DAKO-CZ, a.s. [cs]	Třemošnice, Czech Republic	Manufacture of rail breaking systems	51%	Established 1816
	LIberecké Automobilové Závody	Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic	Medium truck manufacturing	100%	Established 1951 (currently defunct)
	TATRA TRUCKS a.s.	Kopřivnice, Czech Republic	Heavy truck & chassis manufacturing	65%	The third oldest company in the world producing motor vehicles with an unbroken history. First car made in 1897, first truck in 1898. Tatra 810 medium off-road truck Tatra 817 heavy off-road military truck Tatra 158 heavy off-road civilian truck
CSG Business Projects (other)
	ELTON hodinářská, a. s.	Nové Město nad Metují, Czech Republic	Watch manufacturing	73,16%	PRIM watches
	Perazzi	Brescia, Italy	High-end shotgun manufacturing	80%
	KARBOX, s. r. o.	Přelouč, Czech Republic	Container development and manufacturing	100%
	Prague Fertility Centre	Prague, Czech Republic		100%

The Czechoslovak Group holds shares in around 100 companies based mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia,^[43] including a majority stake in the Kopřivnice-based car manufacturer Tatra Trucks.^[44] In addition to the automotive industry, CSG holds shares in companies operating in the aviation, railway, defence, and other sectors.^[45] CSG's current portfolio also includes the production of engineering products for the automotive, railway and aerospace industries, watches, specialised vehicles and off-road trucks.

References

1. https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/domaci/czechoslovak-group-vista-outdoor-cesko-amerika-vyroba-zbrane-michal-strnad.A231016_144906_ekonomika_ihal
2. "CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a.s., B 20071 vedená u Městského soudu v Praze". Veřejný rejstřík a Sbírka listin (in Czech). Retrieved 2022-12-15.
3. https://www.czdefence.cz/clanek/csg-kupuje-od-iff-vyrobu-nitrocelulozy-v-nemecku
4. Annual Report and Accounts 2023
5. "Vista Outdoor to sell sporting products unit in $1.91 bln deal, cuts sales forecast". Reuters. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
6. "Strnadova Czechoslovak Group kupuje za 45 miliard muničního giganta v USA". iDNES.cz (in Czech). 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
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8. "The Czechoslovak Group Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Vista Outdoor's Sporting Products Business for $1.91 Billion". Yahoo Finance. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
9. https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/usa-michal-strnad/r~764d4ed8fc9611eeb689ac1f6b220ee8/
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22. "Czech army buys 20 Pandur armoured vehicles for $83 mln". REUTERS. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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25. admin (2022-06-15). "US Army Bought POLR-1 (Retwis 5) Radars From Czech Based Company Retia - MilitaryLeak.COM". militaryleak.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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28. ArmadniNoviny.cz. "Holding CSG jako jediný mimo USA komerčně provozuje legendární vrtulníky UH-60 Black Hawk". Armádní noviny (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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33. McNeil, Harry (2023-06-22). "Israel Aerospace Industries MMR radars pass Czech military tests". Army Technology. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
34. ID (2014-11-27). "ELTA to Cooperate with Czech Company". ISRAEL DEFENSE. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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40. "Tatra Trucks dodala americké armádě první vůz pro službu v Německu - Seznam Zprávy". www.seznamzpravy.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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43. "O nás" (in Czech). Czechoslovak Group. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
44. "Czechoslovak Group loni zvýšil zisk o 54 procent na tři miliardy" (in Czech). E15. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
45. "Naše divize a společnosti" (in Czech). Czechoslovak Group. Retrieved 2022-12-15.

External links

• Official website