Germany’s Rheinmetall Group signed an agreement with Denel (Pty) Ltd, indicating its intention to take a majority equity stake in Denel Munitions.

The agreement was signed in Pretoria by Mr Armin Papperger, President Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and Denel’s Group Executive, Ms Lana Kinley.

The Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group is currently negotiating with the Denel Group for an interest in Denel Munitions, a business division of Denel located in the Western Cape and North West province.

As part of continuing moves to internationalize its defence technology operations, Rheinmetall plans to take a 51% stake in the South African munitions entity. The agreement signed today is subject to approval from the competition authorities and still tied to various suspensive conditions that need be resolved before the transaction is finally concluded.

In embarking on this planned buyout, Rheinmetall wishes to expand its market presence and highlight its role as a leading supplier of systems and equipment for ground forces.

“The product ranges and market penetration of the two companies complement each other perfectly. With this planned acquisition of Denel Munitions, we want to expand our core business as well as penetrate new markets with major strategic potential”, declares Klaus Eberhardt, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG.

Rheinmetall is a premium supplier of ammunition for fighting vehicles and infantry weapons as well as propellant systems for large-calibre ammunition. Denel Munitions possesses special expertise in artillery and mortar systems.

Whereas the bulk of Rheinmetall business is with NATO countries, Denel Munitions is well established in South Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Rheinmetall and Denel Munitions will in future be able to serve their main markets with a complete portfolio of products.

“This agreement with Rheinmetall ties in with Denel’s turnaround strategy,” Lana Kinley explained. “In fact, as one of the crucial pillars of the strategy, equity partnerships with major global players will provide the Denel businesses like Munitions with world-class technology and skills, operational improvements, market access and scale to best serve its clients.”

During the course of restructuring, Denel Pty Ltd (state-owned armaments group), Denel Munitions was spun off as an independent business unit. Denel Munitions has approx 2000 employees at five locations and annual sales of around R 900 million (E90 million). The holding company, Denel Pty Ltd of Pretoria, will continue to hold a minority stake of 49% in Denel Munitions.

In terms of the agreement Rheinmetall and Denel will boost investment in the South African company as soon as Rheinmetall’s acquisition of its equity stake is finalized. This will modernise the South African business operations and improve its production structures and flows, thus setting the stage for solid, profitable growth.

Rheinmetall
11.02.2008