Saab, ThyssenKrupp Seal the Deal

Defence and security company Saab has on June 29 entered into an agreement with ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG regarding the acquisition of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AB (TKMS AB, formerly Kockums).

In April 2014, Saab and ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding regarding the acquisition of the Swedish shipyard TKMS AB with operations based in Karlskrona, Malmö and Muskö, Sweden. The parties have now agreed that Saab will acquire TKMS AB.

The purchase price is MSEK 340. Existing funds will be used to finance the acquisition. The transaction’s effect on Saab’s result for 2014 is estimated to be non-material. TKMS AB will be integrated into Saab’s business area Security and Defence Solutions.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Kockums and its personnel to Saab. This acquisition marks the start of a new era in Kockum’s notable history. The knowledge that the employees possess for developing and producing submarines is unique and strengthens all of Saab,” says Saab’s President and CEO Håkan Buskhe.

“Integration and development efforts will now begin to ensure that operations reach their full capacity. It is important to achieve synergies with Saab’s current naval business. This process must be allowed to take its course, but at the same time we begin deliveries of development, maintenance and production work to the Swedish market,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of Business Area Security and Defence Solutions.

TKMS AB designs, builds and maintains naval systems such as submarines and surface vessels. Other products include air independent propulsion (AIP) systems based on Stirling technology, submarine rescue vehicles and mine counter measures systems. The company has approximately 900 employees and supplies systems and products to the navies of Sweden, Australia and Singapore.

The transaction is subject to approval by the board and the supervisory bodies of ThyssenKrupp Group and the Swedish Competition Authority. These approvals are expected during July 2014. Thereafter the takeover of TKMS AB will be completed.

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Press Release, June 30, 2014; Image: Flickr