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CEO of German warship builder TKMS calls for industry consolidation

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 23, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: February 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Ahead of the Feb. 27 AGM, TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard urged faster standardisation and defence industry consolidation. TKMS signaled it is ready to lead deals, including a non-binding bid for GNYK, as rivals like Rheinmetall expand.

TKMS CEO urges faster consolidation across Germany and Europe’s defense

Call for Defense Industry Consolidation

BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The chief executive of German warship builder TKMS has called for consolidation within the defence industry in a speech published on Monday ahead of the company's annual general meeting.

Standardisation and Speed

"If defence capabilities are to be established more quickly, standardisation, industrial consolidation and speed are required," CEO Oliver Burkhard said in a transcript of the speech due to be held during the AGM on Feb. 27.

Money vs. Execution

"Money alone does not build ships," he said, adding that the decisive factor was how quickly industry and clients could act together.

TKMS Role in European M&A

Burkhard said TKMS, which was spun off from Thyssenkrupp and listed on the stock exchange last year, was prepared to play an active role in consolidation in Germany and Europe.

M&A Activity Rebounds

After years of stagnation, mergers and acquisitions activity in the industry is rising.

Recent Bids and Deals

TKMS, in which Thyssenkrupp still holds a majority stake, has made a non-binding takeover bid for its smaller competitor German Naval Yards Kiel, while arms maker Rheinmetall has acquired the defence division of Luerssen shipyard.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff, writing by Linda Pasquini, editing by Friederike Heine)

Key Takeaways

•CEO Oliver Burkhard called for standardisation, speed and defence industry consolidation ahead of TKMS’s Feb. 27 AGM.
•TKMS, spun off from Thyssenkrupp and listed in 2025, stands ready to play an active role in German and European consolidation.
•The company has made a non-binding takeover bid for German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK).
•Rheinmetall’s acquisition of NVL (Lürssen’s defence arm) highlights accelerating M&A in Germany’s naval sector.
•Thyssenkrupp remains TKMS’s majority shareholder, underscoring strategic support during industry shake‑up.

Frequently Asked Questions about CEO of German warship builder TKMS calls for industry consolidation

1What is the main topic?

TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard calls for defence industry consolidation to boost standardisation and speed of delivery, signaling the company’s readiness to drive M&A in Germany and Europe.

2Which potential deals are mentioned?

TKMS has submitted a non-binding takeover bid for German Naval Yards Kiel. The piece also notes sector momentum, including Rheinmetall’s acquisition of NVL (Lürssen’s defence division).

3Why is consolidation being encouraged now?

Rising demand for naval platforms and the need for faster delivery favor standardisation and scale. Consolidation could align industry capacity with government requirements and improve efficiency.

Call for Defense Industry Consolidation

Standardisation and Speed

Money vs. Execution

"Money alone does not build ships," he said, adding that the decisive factor was how quickly industry and clients could act together.

TKMS Role in European M&A

Burkhard said TKMS, which was spun off from Thyssenkrupp and listed on the stock exchange last year, was prepared to play an active role in consolidation in Germany and Europe.

M&A Activity Rebounds

After years of stagnation, mergers and acquisitions activity in the industry is rising.

Recent Bids and Deals

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff, writing by Linda Pasquini, editing by Friederike Heine)

Key Takeaways

•CEO Oliver Burkhard called for standardisation, speed and defence industry consolidation ahead of TKMS’s Feb. 27 AGM.

•TKMS, spun off from Thyssenkrupp and listed in 2025, stands ready to play an active role in German and European consolidation.

•The company has made a non-binding takeover bid for German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK).

•Rheinmetall’s acquisition of NVL (Lürssen’s defence arm) highlights accelerating M&A in Germany’s naval sector.

•Thyssenkrupp remains TKMS’s majority shareholder, underscoring strategic support during industry shake‑up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the main topic?

TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard calls for defence industry consolidation to boost standardisation and speed of delivery, signaling the company’s readiness to drive M&A in Germany and Europe.

2Which potential deals are mentioned?

TKMS has submitted a non-binding takeover bid for German Naval Yards Kiel. The piece also notes sector momentum, including Rheinmetall’s acquisition of NVL (Lürssen’s defence division).

3Why is consolidation being encouraged now?

Rising demand for naval platforms and the need for faster delivery favor standardisation and scale. Consolidation could align industry capacity with government requirements and improve efficiency.