Interview with Jason Vanderbrink about the merger of CSG and Kinetic Group and future plans
The 47th edition of the famous SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show), which focuses on shooting, hunting and the outdoors, was held in Las Vegas, USA, from 21 to 24 January 2025. Our editorial staff attended this important exhibition again this year and, in addition to watching the news and innovations, we also focused on the American division of Kinetic Group, which was recently purchased by the Czechoslovak Group. It is the largest Czech investment in the United States ever.
This year there were over 2,800 exhibitors from around the world in more than 14 miles of exhibition aisles. The area of this show was 18 acres, which by comparison is enough space to park 556 F-16 fighter aircraft.
While at the largest stands of the world's leading manufacturers such as Heckler & Koch, FN Herstal, Glock and others, it was possible to observe the steady and sure steps that the companies in question are taking to define the future of their industry, the smaller stands offered something a little different. Visitors were able to try out various innovations that could represent an innovative step forward. It was so obvious that the entire small calibre ammunition and firearms industry still has room to grow, and that even smaller companies with big plans can deliver very interesting results.
The Czech Republic was also represented among the exhibitors. For example, the holding Colt CZ Group presented its new rifle CZ BREN 3, which is of interest to the armed forces of various countries. Meopta presented its advanced series of rifle scopes and Laugo Arms showed its Remus pistol for daily carry for the first time. It is based on the Alien sport pistol, which has already attracted a lot of attention at previous SHOT Shows.
The Czechoslovak Group, or its division CSG Ammo+, was also present at SHOT Show, represented this year by the presentation stands of the Italian ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi and the American division Kinetic Group, which CSG recently purchased. It is under the Kinetic Group that prestigious ammunition brands such as Remington, CCI, Federal and others fall. Right at the show, we had the opportunity to ask Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Kinetic Group, a few questions about the recent merger with CSG.
Video: Interview with Jason Vanderbrink about the merger of CSG and Kinetic Group and future plans / CZ DEFENCE
We were interested not only in the progress of the merger of the two entities, but also in the future goals set by the Kinetic Group. Jason Vanderbrink gave us an overview of the plans for the coming years, including the areas where he sees the greatest growth potential.
As there are intense discussions in the European Union about the so-called green ammunition, we wondered whether Kinetic Group plans to include it in its portfolio after the merger with CSG and whether they plan to improve the availability of US ammunition on the European market. We were surprised how well prepared Kinetic Group is for this move. Vanderbrink confirmed to us that expansion into Europe is one of the company's key objectives.
At this year's SHOT Show, it was clear to see that not only CSG and its companies, but also the other manufacturers presenting their portfolios, are placing great emphasis on the innovations they plan to make in the coming years. We can already look forward to other international exhibitions and trade fairs where these innovations will be presented.
