Beretta Holding S.A. issued a statement defending its investment approach to Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), stating it proposed a strategic minority investment rather than seeking control of the firearms manufacturer.

Beretta Holding, which owns 9.95% of Ruger's outstanding common stock, said it discussed making a strategic minority investment on market terms that would benefit all shareholders. The company disputed Ruger's characterizations of its intentions, stating it never sought control or proposed actions that would violate regulatory requirements.

The investment group highlighted Ruger's financial performance, noting the company's operating income declined from $52 million in 2023 to an operating loss of $12 million in 2025, representing a nearly $65 million decrease over two years.

Beretta Holding criticized Ruger's recent board changes, stating that long-tenured directors remain in key leadership positions despite the company's underperformance. The company noted that certain directors with a combined 65 years of tenure collected more than $5.7 million in aggregate compensation between 2018 and 2025, while Ruger's shares returned -13.81%, underperforming the Russell 2000 by 71.96%.

The Luxembourg-based company expressed disappointment that Ruger disclosed confidential discussions, stating this violated their confidentiality agreement. Beretta Holding said it had sought a collaborative resolution through private negotiations.

Beretta Holding has nominated a minority slate of independent director candidates for Ruger's 2026 annual meeting. The company, which traces its history to 1526, operates through more than 50 subsidiaries and over 20 brands in the firearms industry.

The information is based on a press release statement from Beretta Holding.