SSG Capital Advisors, LLC (“SSG”) served as investment banker to Watchtower Firearms, LLC (“Watchtower” or the “Company”), in the sale of substantially all assets to CK Strategic Partners, LLC. The sale was effectuated through a Chapter 11 Section 363 process in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth Division). The transaction closed in August 2025.

Watchtower is a Texas-based, veteran-founded designer and manufacturer of premium firearms, suppressors, and tactical accessories. The Company’s product portfolio includes double-stack 1911 pistols and AR-style modern sporting rifles, manufactured in the United States with premium coatings and precision-machined components. Leveraging modern manufacturing techniques and a brand rooted in military values, Watchtower services both civilians and military and law enforcement agencies.

Despite being launched less than three years ago after acquiring a legacy business primarily focused on AR-style rifles, the Company has successfully designed and marketed three new handgun models and an improved AR-style rifle. Although Watchtower has achieved meaningful growth in recent history, ongoing legal disputes with its landlord disrupted operations and additional capital was required to support the Company’s increased demand.

In order to restructure its balance sheet and help settle landlord disputes, the Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2025. SSG was retained to conduct an expedited sale process that targeted a broad universe of potential strategic and financial acquirers. After significant marketing and discussion with numerous interested parties, Watchtower’s DIP lender, CK Strategic Partners, LLC, submitted a stalking horse credit bid that was determined to be the highest and best offer for substantially all the Company’s assets. SSG’s extensive Chapter 11 transaction experience and ability to reach a large universe of likely buyers ensured that the sale maximized value for stakeholders and preserved American manufacturing jobs.

Other professionals who worked on the transaction include:

• Steven Bellah, Chief Restructuring Officer, and Jeff Betz of KCP Advisory, financial advisor to Watchtower Firearms, LLC;
• H. Joseph Acosta, Dustin H. Sparks, Rebecca E. Donachie, and Clara G. Martin of Condon Tobin, counsel to Watchtower Firearms, LLC;
• Trinitee G. Green, Jeremy R. Johnson, Mark B. Joachim, Edward T. Laborde, L. Maverick Flowers and Erika H. Stinnett of Polsinelli PC, counsel to CK Strategic Partners, LLC;
• Eric Seitz of McDermott Will & Schulte, counsel to Texas Capital Bank (equipment lender); and
• Buffey E. Klein, Caleb T. Holzaepfel and Thomas J. Zavala of Husch Blackwell LLP, counsel to the Unsecured Creditors Committee.