Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on June 16, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
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French finance firms launch a 150 million euro fund for European defence, supported by the French ministry of defence, amid increased EU security investments.
By Sudip Kar-Gupta
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Four major French financial companies launched on Monday a new fund focusing on European security and defence, as investors tap into Europe's race to re-arm itself in light of the Russia-Ukraine war and other global conflicts.
The Tikehau Defense and Security fund, with an initial commitment of 150 million euros ($173.4 million), is being launched by Tikehau Capital, Societe Generale Assurances, CNP Assurances and CARAC Group.
Tikehau Capital, SocGen, CNP and CARAC said the fund had the support of the French ministry of defence.
Last week European foreign ministers said they were ready to take tougher action against Russia, and the European Union has earmarked up to 800 billion euros for defence through to 2030.
In March, Belgium's state-owned financial firm Belfius had also said it would invest in defence companies headquartered in NATO countries.
"As partner and shareholder of Tikehau Capital since 2011, taking part in the launch of this fund dedicated to defense and security seemed natural to us," said Michel Andignac, the chief executive of CARAC.
"It will enable us to step up our own investments in companies supporting the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of France and Europe."
($1=0.8653 euros)
(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
The Tikehau Defense and Security fund aims to focus on European security and defense as investors respond to the continent's need to re-arm.
The fund is launched by Tikehau Capital, Societe Generale Assurances, CNP Assurances, and CARAC.
The fund has an initial commitment of 150 million euros, equivalent to approximately 173.4 million dollars.
The fund has the support of the French ministry of defence, indicating governmental backing for its objectives.
The European Union has earmarked up to 800 billion euros for defense through to 2030, reflecting a significant increase in defense spending.
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