Leopard 2 tank manufacturer prepares for IPO to become a "European champion"

The new CEO of the German-French armored vehicle manufacturer KNDS, Jean-Paul Alary, said that the company is preparing for a possible stock exchange listing. About writes german weekly magazine Spiegel.

Alari noted that given the new geopolitical situation, a new management and capital structure needs to be created.

According to Alari, the Board of Directors has instructed him to prepare KNDS for an IPO, although no final decision has been made yet. The company's CEO hopes for a decision in the coming months so that he can make strategic decisions faster.

He noted that the company's German shareholders, the Bode and Braunberens families, want to give up some of their shares in the IPO.

Planning for the IPO is complicated due to the involvement of the French public sector and the need to balance the interests of both countries, including jobs.

The new structure is aimed at opening KNDS to other countries and the company's desire to become a "European champion". A possible listing on the stock exchange will allow the company to attract additional investments and make "bold acquisitions."

Alari emphasized that KNDS will remain a land systems specialist and has no plans to merge with Rheinmetall, which operates in the broader defense segment, including aviation and space projects.

• KNDS was established in 2015 on the basis of German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and French Nexter Defense Systems and produces, among other things, the Leopard 2 battle tank.
• In October 2024 kNDS conglomerate opens a branch in Ukraineand in early 2025 KNDS Deutschland officially opens joint venture with one of Ukraine's defense companies.
• On August 21, it was reported that KNDS Deutschland is going to expand its presence in Ukraine.