German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has declared that the federal government will secure its influence over KNDS, the Franco-German land armaments manufacturer, "in whatever form" following the collapse of its planned initial public offering.
The July listing was abandoned after the company's owner families rejected the valuation offered by investors, which they deemed too low.
The failed IPO leaves the strategic future of the tankbuilder in flux, with the German government holding a significant stake and seeking to preserve national oversight of the defense contractor.
Pistorius's comments signal a shift from the previous government stance, which had firmly rejected suggestions that the IPO had been abandoned and reaffirmed its commitment to the listing despite reports of indefinite postponement.
The minister's new posture acknowledges the reality of the failed deal while emphasizing the state's intent to retain strategic control.
The dispute highlights the tension between commercial valuation and national security interests in European defense manufacturing.