Colt’s defense, civilian gun companies merge

After about 10 years of separation, Colt has reunited its defense and civilian gun companies.

Last week Colt Defense L.L.C. acquired New Colt Holding Corp., the parent company of Colt’s Manufacturing Co. L.L.C., which manufactures civilian and sporting firearms. Both companies are based in West Hartford.

Though officials have not yet announced a reason for the merger, it comes at a time of high civilian gun sales and declining military budgets.