Beretta USA Wins Another Contract...Benelli Nova Shootguns this time

[Ed Ely]

September 14, 2007

Georgia State Patrol Awards Contract To Beretta USA

Accokeek, Maryland— Beretta U.S.A. today announced it has been awarded a statewide contract to supply Benelli Nova Tactical shotguns to the Georgia State Patrol, effective immediately. The contract will supply 1,000 Benelli Nova shotguns for the entire state police force. This is the largest single sale of Benelli shotguns to a law enforcement agency in the history of the Company.

Beretta has been producing firearms for nearly 500 years. Its Total Solution approach to the law enforcement and defense communities combines the strengths and core-competencies of the different sister companies within the Beretta Holding Group to provide specialized products and services. The Total Solution provides a complete array of products to suit diverse regional conditions and meet agency objectives and needs. This includes the full line of Beretta handguns, Benelli shotguns, the Sako and Tikka line of sniper rifles, the line of shotguns and pistols offered by Stoeger, and the hi-tech line of optics manufactured in the U.S.A. by Burris.

As a part of the contract, Beretta U.S.A. will provide extensive armorer and transitional training to Georgia State Patrol and the conversion from the existing patrol shotgun to the Nova Tactical platform will be completed statewide by December. Initial training began in Columbia County on September 7.

According to Lt. Scott D. Johnson, Deputy Director Georgia State Patrol Training Division, "After a review of firearms available we concluded that the Benelli Nova Tactical shotgun would best protect and safeguard both our community and our officers and would provide the performance, safety and reliability that we need to meet the law enforcement challenges that we are facing today.

"Beretta has an incredible training and support program in place that will insure that all of our officers are completely trained and proficient with the new patrol shotgun. The Nova Tactical shotgun also incorporates an advanced magazine cut-off feature that allows our officers to quickly transition the shotgun to patrol safe after deployment - enhancing the overall safety of both officers and the community"


For tight quarters when clearing buildings or in a patrol vehicle, nothing beats the compact versatility and durability of the Benelli Nova Tactical shotgun with Comfort Stock. The ComforTech™ stock absorbs nearly 48% of felt recoil to dampen the jolt of heavy buck shot loads. In addition to taming recoil, the ComforTech™ system minimizes muzzle rise, putting you back on target twice a fast as other comparable shotguns. The tactical pistol grip stock turns the Nova into a rock-solid shooting platform for optical sights and slugs at long yardage. It also has the added advantage of being easy to manipulate one-handed.

"It is an honor to be awarded this opportunity to serve the Georgia State Patrol and the citizens of Georgia. Beretta is committed to developing products and services that protect those who protect others and we are confident that the Nova Tactical shotgun will contribute to the safety and effectiveness of Georgia State Troopers. Beretta is making significant investments in the law enforcement and defense space and we will continue to develop new products and services that meet the unique needs of today's law enforcement officer and address all aspects of officer safety" said Elio J. Oliva Vice President, Law Enforcement/Military Sales & Marketing.

Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information visit www.berettausa.com.

Media Contact:

Karen Lutto (830) 755-4308 or karen@luttopr.com or Kimi Herndon (804) 346-4309 kimi@luttopr.com

FYI.

Ed