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Defense Giant KNDS Targets Mid-July Debut in Dual-City IPO
#91081 · 24.06.2026
Business

Defense Giant KNDS Targets Mid-July Debut in Dual-City IPO

A €15 billion valuation looms over the upcoming public offering of KNDS, the Franco-German defense firm behind the Leopard 2 and Leclerc battle tanks. By mid-July, the manufacturer will list in Paris and Frankfurt, marking a pivotal shift in the ownership structure between the French state and German interests.

The offering centers on the sale of existing shares, with current stakeholders—the French government and the founding KMW families—offloading approximately 20% of the company. A significant realignment accompanies the move: Germany will acquire a 40% stake via state-lender KfW, matching the French government’s adjusted holding and neutralizing long-standing power imbalances. Insiders suggest Berlin may pay a premium exceeding 10% over the IPO price to secure this parity.

Financial momentum remains strong for the Amsterdam-headquartered group. KNDS reported 2025 sales of €4.4 billion, a 16% increase, with a record order backlog of €33.1 billion. Management projects sales to reach €11 billion to €12 billion in the mid-term. Following the listing, the board will expand to 12 members, requiring consensus from both French and German directors for all major strategic, structural, and executive appointments.

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