Germany and France weigh full state takeover of tank maker KNDS

The German government is in talks with the French government and the owners of the Franco‑German armoured‑vehicle manufacturer KNDS about alternatives after the company's planned July IPO was postponed. Options under discussion include the originally intended purchase of a 40% stake by Germany, with France reducing its share to 40% and the remaining 20% offered to the market, as well as a full state takeover in which each state would acquire a 50% holding.

Current owners – the French state and the German Bode and Braunbehrens families – are looking to sell their stakes. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs confirmed Germany's interest in a 40% share, while officials said a complete nationalisation could provide the firm with immediate security. The government remains optimistic about a possible September relaunch of the IPO, though conditions for a successful offering are still uncertain.