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Czechoslovak Group

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CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a.s.
FormerlyEXCALIBUR GROUP a.s. (until 2016)
IndustryArms, automotive and aerospace industry holding company
FounderJaroslav Strnad [cs]
Headquarters
Prague
,
Czech Republic
RevenueIncrease€ 1,73 billion (CZK 42 billion) (2023)
10,500,000,000 Czech koruna (2023) Edit this on Wikidata
Increase€ 0,21 billion (CZK 5 billion) (2023)
Total assetsIncrease€ 3,35 billion (CZK 85,2 billion) (2023)
OwnerMichal Strnad
Number of employees
over 10.000[1] (incl. subsidiaries) (2023)
Websiteczechoslovakgroup.cz Edit this on Wikidata

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.

While bulk of the CSG's operations is based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, CSG also operates factories in Germany,[3] India, Italy, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. 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]

History

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Jaroslav Strnad started his business as a scrapyard owner in 1990s.[5] From early on, Strnad focused his business on dealing with military surplus equipment, which was in extreme oversupply after the fall of the Warsaw pact. In 1995, Jaroslav Strnad founded a family company Excalibur Army (later to be renamed to Czechoslovak Group) with less than 20 employees.[5] The newly established company expanded business from scrap dealing also towards refurbishment of military surplus equipment.[5] Gradually, the company started acquiring other businesses focused on rail, radar, truck manufacturing. In 2018, Jaroslav Strand's son Michal took over the company, starting an era of international expansion of its businesses.[5][6][7]

Supplies to Iraq

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In 2015, CSG became an important supplier of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles used by the Iraqi Government against the ISIS during the War in Iraq (2013–2017).[8]

Supplies to Ukraine

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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:[9][10][11][12]

Fiocchi Munizioni Acquisition

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CSG acquired a 70% stake in Fiocchi Munizioni, an Italian munitions company. The deal was worth “hundreds of millions of euros”[13] 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.[14][15]

Vista Outdoor

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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.[16][17][18][19] Vista's sale to CSG has been protested by senators JD Vance,[20] John Kennedy, representative Clay Higgins and National Sheriffs' Association.[21] Vista Outdoor stockholders approved the sale on 25 November 2024 for the price of $2.23bn.[22]

Partnerships and Collaborations

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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.[23][24]

MSM Acquisition

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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.[25][26]

Radar delivery

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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.[27][28]

Training Afghan pilots

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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.[29][30]

Caesar howitzers

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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.[31][32][33]

RETIA's collaboration

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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.[34][35][36]

TATRA vehicles

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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.[37][38][39]

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.[40][41]

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.[42][43]

Notable holdings

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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+
Baschieri & Pellagri ammunition Bologna, Italy Small arms ammunition manufacturer
CCI Ammunition Lewiston, Idaho Small arms ammunition manufacturer
Federal Premium Ammunition Anoka, Minnesota Small arms ammunition manufacturer
Fiocchi Munizioni Lecco, Italy Small arms ammunition manufacturer 70% Operates also 2 factories in the USA.
HEVI-Shot Sweet Home, Oregon Small arms ammunition manufacturer P
Lyalvale Express Fisherwick, United Kingdom Small arms ammunition manufacturer
Remington Ammunition Lonoke, Arkansas 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[44])
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,[45] including a majority stake in the Kopřivnice-based car manufacturer Tatra Trucks.[46] In addition to the automotive industry, CSG holds shares in companies operating in the aviation, railway, defence, and other sectors.[47] 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

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  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. ^ a b Annual Report and Accounts 2023
  5. ^ a b c d "Meet 27-Year-Old Arms Dealer Michal Strnad, The Czech Industrialist With 'More Tanks' Than The Army". forbes.com. Retrieved 2019-10-18.
  6. ^ Čírtek, Andrej (2023-10-16). "Czechoslovak Group to acquire Vista Outdoor's sporting products | CSG". czechoslovakgroup.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  7. ^ CZDEFENCE. "Czechoslovak Group – an industrial-technological holding of more than a hundred companies based in many countries of the world". www.czdefence.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  8. ^ https://www.denik.cz/ekonomika/ceska-firma-excalibur-army-doda-iraku-stovku-tanku-a-obrnencu-20150206.html
  9. ^ Hudec, Michal (2023-04-03). "Slovakia to increase ammo production fivefold, says defence minister". www.euractiv.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  10. ^ "Premiér Petr Fiala navštívil společnost Excalibur Army, na jeden z tanků, který poputuje na Ukrajinu, napsal i krátký vzkaz". www.vlada.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  11. ^ www.webtodate.cz, WebContentManagementSystem: Macron Software | WebToDate. "Premiér v Excalibur Army ocenil projekt modernizace T-72 pro Ukrajinu, který koordinuje Ministerstvo obrany". mocr.army.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  12. ^ "Speciální terénní auta s dvojkulomety vyrobí pro Ukrajinu ve Šternberku. Pomohou proti dronům". ct24.ceskatelevize.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  13. ^ Lopatka, Jan (2024-01-11). "CSG scouting for more acquisitions after Italian ammo maker Fiocchi". REUTERS.
  14. ^ Novotný, Pavel P. (2022-12-09). "I kdyby válka skončila zítra, armádní sklady se budou plnit 15 let, říká největší český zbrojař Strnad". Hospodářské noviny (HN.cz) (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  15. ^ "Even if the war ends tomorrow, it will take 15 years to fill army warehouses, says Michal Strnad, the biggest czech arms manufacturer". czechoslovakgroup.com. 2022-12-02. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  16. ^ "Vista Outdoor to sell sporting products unit in $1.91 bln deal, cuts sales forecast". Reuters. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  17. ^ "Strnadova Czechoslovak Group kupuje za 45 miliard muničního giganta v USA". iDNES.cz (in Czech). 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  18. ^ Schultz, Clark (2023-12-12). "Vista Outdoor expects to close Czechoslovak deal in 2024 after landing antitrust clearance | Seeking Alpha". seekingalpha.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ https://www.vance.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vance-Letter-To-CFIUS.pdf
  21. ^ https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/usa-michal-strnad/r~764d4ed8fc9611eeb689ac1f6b220ee8/
  22. ^ "Czech takeover of US ammunition maker Kinetic wins shareholder approval". Financial Times. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  23. ^ "IDET 2021: Firmy holdingu CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a TATRA TRUCKS představí moderní vojenskou techniku i technologie" (in Czech). Czech News Agency. 2021-10-04. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  24. ^ "Czech army buys 20 Pandur armoured vehicles for $83 mln". REUTERS. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  25. ^ CZDEFENCE. "The Slovak MSM Group Bought an Ammunition Manufacturer from Granada, Spain". www.czdefence.cz. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  26. ^ "HNonline.sk - Takmer 700 rokov trvajúcu tradíciu výroby munície v Španielsku rozvíja aj slovenská MSM Group". hnonline.sk (in Slovak). 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ "Retia uspěla v USA s radary, které "vidí přes zeď"". e15.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  29. ^ "Společnosti holdingu CSG provozují nejvyspělejší centrum pro výcvik pilotů vrtulníků ve střední Evropě | ČeskéNoviny.cz". www.ceskenoviny.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  30. ^ ArmadniNoviny.cz. "Holding CSG jako jediný mimo USA komerčně provozuje legendární vrtulníky UH-60 Black Hawk". Armádní noviny (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  31. ^ "Czech Republic increases order for CAESARself-propelled howitzers". 2022-12-26. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  32. ^ "Nexter strengthens its partnership with the Czech Army and local defence industry". 2023-05-24. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  33. ^ Prima, F. T. V. "PŘEHLEDNĚ: Klíčové zbraně, které mají posílit armádu. Česko chystá nákupy za desítky miliard". CNN Prima NEWS (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  34. ^ "Israel Aerospace Industries MMR radars, have successfully pa". www.asdnews.com. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  35. ^ McNeil, Harry (2023-06-22). "Israel Aerospace Industries MMR radars pass Czech military tests". Army Technology. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  36. ^ ID (2014-11-27). "ELTA to Cooperate with Czech Company". ISRAEL DEFENSE. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  37. ^ "Belgian Defence Forces Order DAF CF Military Trucks". Overt Defense. 2021-03-03. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  38. ^ Frahan, Alain Henry de (2023-07-20). "New Belgian Army DAF CF military trucks parade on Belgium's National Day | Defense News July 2023 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 | Archive News year". Army Recognition. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  39. ^ "Belgian Army introduces new logistics vehicles on Tatra chassis for the first time - Defence Industry Europe". 2022-07-26. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  40. ^ "Tatra dodá bundeswehru auta za stamiliony". e15.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  41. ^ ČTK (2021-10-21). "Tatra získala pilotní kontrakt na dodávku 77 hasičských vozidel pro bundeswehr". Deník.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  42. ^ "Tatra Trucks dodala americké armádě první vůz pro službu v Německu - Seznam Zprávy". www.seznamzpravy.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  43. ^ "Tatra Trucks dodala americké armádě první vůz pro službu v Německu". auto.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  44. ^ Matoušek, Jan (2020-08-02). "Výroba aut značky Avia opět končí. Připomeňte si její více než stoletou historii". Aktuálně.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  45. ^ "O nás" (in Czech). Czechoslovak Group. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  46. ^ "Czechoslovak Group loni zvýšil zisk o 54 procent na tři miliardy" (in Czech). E15. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  47. ^ "Naše divize a společnosti" (in Czech). Czechoslovak Group. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
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