Russian Arms Manufacturers unite under Kalashnikov brand
Finally something not related to the election.
Quote:
Published: 06 November, 2012, 17:20
Russia's leading rifle maker Izhmekh and the maker of the famous AK-47 Izhmesh could merge under the Kalashnikov brand in order to avoid bankruptcy, according to Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin.
*"We need to set up a new-old brand, named 'Kalashnikov', based on the two old factories," said Rogozin, who has special responsibilities for Russia's arms industry.
"Izhmekh and Izhmash, with all my respect, are not a brand. Kalashnikov – that's a brand," he pointed out. With the merged Izhmash and Izhmekh would own the brand name “Kalashnikov” and all rights on it.
Currently the Glazovsky liquor plant has produced Kalashnikov-brand vodka since 1995. A German company, MMI has the rights to produce watches, umbrellas and other consumer goods under the Kalashnikov brand. Besides that millions of illegally weapons are produced around the world under the name “Kalashnikov”. The image of the famous assault rifle is also on the national flag of Mozambique.
Rogozin also said the final decision on a merger will be made by the parent holding company Rostekhnologii. Meanwhile, the members of Russia's military-technical commission have arrived on Friday in Izhevsk, the Urals city where the two enterprises are based, for talks on the possible merger, according to Rogozin.
Izhmash produces over 70 types of weaponry, including firearms, aircraft guns, precision artillery rounds, as well as a variety of sporting and hunting weapons, which are sold at home and abroad.
Sales in the United States of the civilian versions of the AK47, known under the brand name Saiga, rose by 50% last year, according to officials at the factory. Law enforcement organisations from France, Poland and Australia have already ordered a number of modified versions.
http://rt.com/business/news/russia-k...nt-merger-068/
