The new company is expected to be listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange later this year. TKMS’s independence includes direct access to capital markets, enabling it to finance growth, advance new technologies, and pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard welcomed the outcome, stating: “Today is an important day for TKMS. The decision of the Extraordinary General Meeting to spin off a minority stake from thyssenkrupp AG is a significant step towards the independence of our company and for the future of Germany’s maritime defence.” He added: “TKMS has a solid liquidity position and, through the planned independent stock exchange listing, will gain access to additional financing options that can specifically support the company’s independent development.”
Burkhard also highlighted TKMS’s role in the changing geopolitical landscape, noting: “TKMS is part of the geopolitical turning point and makes an important contribution to a stable security architecture in Europe and beyond.” He expressed his gratitude by saying: “First and foremost, I would like to thank all the shareholders of thyssenkrupp AG for their support today. I would also like to thank the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of thyssenkrupp AG for their trust.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Siegfried Russwurm, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp AG, commented: “Becoming independent gives TKMS the entrepreneurial freedom it needs to further develop technological excellence and make a substantial contribution to national and alliance defence.” He emphasised the importance of reliable and innovative companies like TKMS for Germany and its partners in the current global security environment.
Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG, stated: “With entrepreneurial independence, TKMS gains the freedom to drive innovation more rapidly, invest in a targeted manner, and respond flexibly to customer and market requirements.” He also noted that a public listing would boost TKMS’s visibility and valuation transparency, while supporting future partnerships and potential consolidation within Europe’s defence industry.
The restructuring aims to unlock growth and enhance value creation, benefitting both shareholders and the approximately 8,300 employees at TKMS. Independence is expected to promote flexibility and innovation, while also strengthening long-term job prospects at industrial sites in Germany.
TKMS currently holds an order backlog exceeding €18 billion, including major submarine projects and the construction of the research vessel Polarstern II. Previous investments and strategic acquisitions—such as Atlas Elektronik—have improved operational performance, shortened project timelines, and enhanced technological capabilities.
The spin-off supports thyssenkrupp AG’s broader strategy to transform into a focused management holding company, overseeing independent and entrepreneurially responsible entities. “This strengthens the security policy capabilities of Germany and Europe,” said Russwurm, underlining the significance of the move for national and alliance defence.
Source: thyssenkrupp AG (press release).
