Germany rules out stake in Thyssenkrupp’s defence unit ahead of spin-off

Germany’s government has no current plans to acquire a stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), despite calls from labour unions, according to sources cited by Handelsblatt.

The German government will not pursue state ownership of Thyssenkrupp’s defence division TKMS for now, Handelsblatt reported Wednesday, citing officials from the chancellery and relevant ministries. The decision comes despite repeated appeals from the company’s labour leaders to secure public backing.

Thyssenkrupp, which is preparing to spin off 49% of TKMS by year-end, confirmed ongoing talks with the government but declined to comment on their outcome. The company has maintained that government participation is not a precondition for the divestment.

Company chairman Siegfried Russwurm previously stated that government involvement is unnecessary, as Berlin already acts as a key client and regulator for defence exports.

Instead of taking a stake, the government is reportedly working on a “security agreement” to safeguard national interests and jobs. The agreement would involve regular consultations and grant the state a right of first refusal if a strategic investor seeks to acquire TKMS, although no such acquisition is currently expected.

Thyssenkrupp shareholders are set to vote on the proposed spin-off at an extraordinary general meeting on 8 August.

TKMS, which produces submarines, frigates, and advanced maritime defence systems, has seen rising demand in recent months amid surging defence budgets across Europe and concerns about the reliability of U.S. security commitments.

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