The Federal Trade Commission accepted a proposed consent order to try to resolve antitrust concerns arising from a stock purchase agreement between the firearm companies Beretta and Sturm Ruger.

Under the FTC's proposed order, Beretta would be prohibited from appointing or nominating anyone to serve on Sturm Ruger's board, unless that person is independent from Beretta.

Beretta, an Italian gunmaker, is seeking to buy Sturm Ruger stock to increase its investment to 25%. The proposed deal would allow Beretta to appoint two members of Sturm Ruger's board.

That proposed deal was a way to settle a long proxy fight led by Beretta against Sturm Ruger. Beretta had been building its stake in recent years and criticizing Sturm Ruger's leadership style, prompting the Mayodan, N.C., gunmaker to implement a stockholder-rights plan.

Wednesday's order settles allegations that Beretta and Sturm Ruger's proposed purchase deal would violate a law prohibiting directors and officers from serving simultaneously on boards of competitors.

The order also requires Beretta to provide advanced written notice to the FTC at least 15 days before appointing or nominating a member of Sturm Ruger's board.

Beretta also can't hire or enter any financial relationships with independent directors nominated by Beretta and appointed to Sturm Ruger's board.