A Leclerc XLR tank, built by Franco-German defense conglomerate KNDS, on display at the Eurosatory International Arms Fair in June 2024. The German government has announced a significant investment in KNDS. (Shutterstock/Spech)

Franco-German Tank Manufacturer KNDS Is Going Public—Sort Of

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The German government is planning to buy a 40 percent stake in KNDS, buying out a private German firm—and giving certain outsiders a chance to invest as well.

KDNS, a Franco-German defense conglomerate best known for manufacturing both the main battle tanks and self-propelled artillery for France and Germany, will soon have a new product for sale: stock.

The defense company plans to sell 20 percent of the company to investors on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges for the first time. The German government also intends to purchase a 40 percent share from one of the primary owners, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who on Friday announced that the Bundestag’s budget committee had approved the plan.

Wegmann & Co., a private German firm, and the French government-owned GIAT Industries currently own the entirety of KNDS. The German government will buy its 40 percent........

© The National Interest