Overview
- The agreement would bring NVL’s German shipyards under Rheinmetall and roughly 2,100 employees, with the buyer saying it plans no site closures or staff cuts and expects substantial Navy orders.
- Closing is targeted for early 2026 subject to competition clearance, and the companies have not disclosed the purchase price.
- IG Metall reports continued uncertainty among workers and highlights a supplier network it estimates includes up to 21,000 firms linked to NVL sites.
- Delays on the F126 frigate program contracted to Damen Naval risk underutilization at NVL yards such as Blohm+Voss and Peene-Werft, with the union warning short-time work may follow unless a solution is found; the defense ministry cites IT interface problems.
- Lürssen intends to concentrate on civilian mega-yachts as Rheinmetall pursues a cross-domain defense portfolio, while regional governments push to secure jobs, collective bargaining coverage and NVL’s headquarters in Bremen.