FN Browning Group (FNBG) announced on May 28 that Accuracy International (AI) has entered into an agreement to become part of its family of firms. It will join a legendary roster of companies that include FN America, FN Herstal, Browning firearms and Winchester firearms—among others—in FNBG’s Defense & Security and Hunting & Sports Shooting divisions. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and financial details were not released.
“Accuracy International will continue to operate under its own brand, its engineering culture and its UK and US manufacturing bases,” the press release states. “The company will remain focused on what defines its reputation: precision, robustness and performance.”
AI was established in 1978 in Portsmouth, England, shortly after a rifle created by the company’s founders was used to claim a silver medal in that year’s World Championships. Buoyed by that success, the design was refined for rugged, real-world use and released as the Precision Marksman.
In 1984, the United Kingdom Special Air Service ordered 32, giving the bolt-action rifle a military designation of L96A1. The United Kingdom Special Boat Service ordered eight the same year. Today, the company’s guns are in use across the globe by military and law enforcement personnel, as well by civilian enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s marriage of precision and reliability.
“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 FNBG. “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.”
“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,” said AI Director Tom Irwin. The company currently employs roughly 100 people.
With the acquisition, FNBG now has two manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom. The nation is currently considering modernization of its military’s small arms with an emphasis on domestic procurement.
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