Our Alliance

NIOA

NIOA is a family-owned, global firearms, weapons and munitions company.

Our operations include NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, NIOA UK, the Australian Missile Corporation, Barrett Firearms (USA) and joint venture company, Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

As Australasia’s largest supplier of firearms, optics, ammunition, and accessories, NIOA proudly represents more than 80 international brands, including Federal, CCI, Springfield, Anschutz, Leupold, Bushnell, Glock and Eley. With over 50 years of expertise in the firearms industry, NIOA continues to expand its footprint, delivering world-class products and exceptional service to shooters across Australia and New Zealand.

US-based Barrett Firearms, the most recent addition to our group, is the world leader in long-range, large-calibre precision rifle manufacturing, supplying the United States military and more than 75 US Department of State approved countries around the world, as well as law enforcement agencies and sport shooters.

VIKING ARMS

Viking Arms Ltd stands as a cornerstone in the distribution of firearms, ammunition, and associated accessories within the United Kingdom. As a premier wholesale supplier to both the sporting retail market and the nation’s police and military, Viking Arms has cultivated a reputation for excellence since its inception in 1965.

Located strategically at the heart of the United Kingdom, Viking Arms operates out of its own purpose-built headquarters, combining advanced office space with comprehensive warehousing facilities. The recent expansion of these facilities, proudly inaugurated by HRH The Princess Royal, underscores the company’s commitment to growth and service excellence. Our location offers exceptional logistical advantages, with vital connections via road, rail, and air, including proximity to Leeds & Bradford International Airport, just thirty minutes away.

2024 also saw the acquisition of the Wholesale Retailer Hannam’s Reloading to the Viking Group of companies. Hannam’s Reloading provides the group with access to expanded storage capability and expansion into a further specialist sector of the firearms industry.

HELMUT HOFMANN

Based in Germany, Helmut Hofmann is a privately owned, two-step distributor with a proud history dating back to 1956. For nearly 70 years, the company has been dedicated to importing and distributing premium U.S.-made products, building a reputation as one of the most respected distributors in Germany and across the EU.

With over 35 leading brands in its portfolio and a team of 50 full-time professionals, Helmut Hofmann combines structured expertise with a strong service culture. The company works with almost all German dealers, including its long-standing partnership with the country’s only remaining chain store, Frankonia.

Helmut Hofmann’s enduring success is rooted in resilience and adaptability—navigating shifting economic climates, political changes, and the complexities of U.S. export regulations with confidence. Its pioneering relationship with Remington Arms, established in 1956, reflects the company’s enduring commitment to strong, lasting partnerships.

Today, Helmut Hofmann is recognized as Germany’s leading authority on U.S. sporting and outdoor products. The company leverages decades of experience and deep market knowledge to ensure seamless distribution, strong brand positioning, and exceptional support for both suppliers and dealers.

Outdoor Investment Holdings 

Formalito / Stonewolf

Outdoor Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd (OIH) is a leading force in the outdoor sector, committed to excellence, growth, and innovation. With a foundation built on decades of industry experience, OIH operates a diverse portfolio of independent, capitalised, and professionally managed wholesale, retail, and service businesses. In recent years, the group has expanded into manufacturing and brand ownership, creating a vertically integrated model that strengthens quality, sustainability, and market reach—both in South Africa and internationally.

A key part of OIH’s portfolio is Formalito, South Africa’s largest wholesaler of firearms, ammunition, shooting, and outdoor accessories. Established in 1964 and acquired by OIH in 2016, Formalito celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, servicing over 360 retailers nationwide. With extensive knowledge of the retail and wholesale firearms market, Formalito shifted to a pure wholesale focus in 2012, importing products from across the globe—including the USA, China, Brazil, Canada, and Europe. Its range includes hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, airguns, ammunition, reloading equipment, knives, optics, and a wide variety of outdoor accessories.

Driven by meticulous strategy and the dedication of its teams, OIH and Formalito continue to deliver resilience, market growth and unparalleled service to dealers throughout South Africa and the wider African continent.