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Rheinmetall to Buy Lürssen’s Naval Unit NVL, Entering Warship Building

Regulatory approval is pending, with Rheinmetall casting the move as a shift toward a cross‑domain defense system house.

Overview

  • Rheinmetall agreed to acquire Naval Vessels Lürssen from the Lürssen group, targeting completion in early 2026 subject to competition authority clearance, with the purchase price undisclosed.
  • The buyer says NVL will become a dedicated division within Rheinmetall, including its current management, with all sites and employees retained and synergies expected with vehicle and munitions businesses.
  • NVL operates four German shipyards in Wolgast, Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven with a Bremen headquarters, employs about 2,100 people, and generated roughly €1 billion in revenue in 2024, alongside international sites.
  • Rheinmetall shares hit record highs after the announcement, extending a multi‑year rally linked to surging European defense orders since 2022.
  • IG Metall welcomed clarity on the plan but pressed for guarantees on jobs, locations and collective bargaining, as regulators begin reviewing potential competition issues.