Beretta Holding, the main shareholder of Sturm, Ruger & Company with a 9.95% stake, has received the response of the American company’s board, which rejected the request to suspend the “poison pill", the anti-takeover mechanism that prevents the Italian group from increasing its share. The group, led by Pietro Gussalli Beretta, then sent a letter to Ruger's board of directors via its lawyers, declaring itself "deeply disappointed and surprised" by the board's behavior, accusing it of wanting to "protect itself rather than create value for shareholders" and preventing investors from making independent decisions about the company's future. Beretta stressed that the cash offer of $44.8 per share provides a significant premium and that the investment might boost Ruger's strategic position by leveraging the Italian group's global network and industrial capabilities. While confirming its availability for a meeting in New York on April 9, the Brescia-based holding company expressed doubts about the board's genuine intentions and stated that it was considering all legal actions. The clash is part of a confrontation that has been ongoing for months between the two historic firearms manufacturers. Beretta is aiming for a partial takeover bid to acquire up to 20.05% of Ruger’s shares and bring its stake to around 30%, in an operation worth over $130 million. Ruger has accused the Italian group of running an aggressive campaign.