Czech ammunition maker CSG seeks stake in Franco-German tank manufacturer KNDS (eco.sapo.pt)

• CSG confirms negotiations with KNDS for a stake in the tank manufacturer.
• KNDS pushes for government stake decision ahead of planned IPO.
• CSG CEO calls for deeper European defence industry consolidation.

"The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a major NATO ammunition supplier, is negotiating to acquire a stake in KNDS, the Franco-German manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks. CSG CEO Michal Strnad cites complementarity and the need for deeper European defence industrial integration. KNDS plans an IPO this summer, while Germany and France separately negotiate a 40% stake."