Mergers & Acquisitions in the Defence Sector

Geopolitical tensions, technological innovation, and new security priorities are shaping change in the defence sector. Acquisitions and joint ventures are becoming central strategic steps for growth and competitiveness. RÖDL supports you as an experienced M&A partner with a global presence, deep industry understanding, and multidisciplinary expertise. With over 350 transactions annually, we create legal and strategic certainty for your projects – worldwide.
Tobias Kohler
Partner
Attorney at Law (Germany)
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Achieving Success with Certainty – Through Investment and Innovation

The defence and security industry is undergoing change. Geopolitical tensions, new NATO strategies, and technological innovations are leading to significant investments, mergers, and acquisitions. The shift from deterrence to active defence capabilities, as well as the use of drones, AI, and autonomous systems, are fundamentally changing the role of traditional weapon systems. Successful companies are those that combine the strength of established market leaders with the innovative power of young technology companies.

RÖDL helps you to strategically leverage this dynamic – whether acquiring innovative companies, integrating new entities, or divesting holdings.

Our consulting covers all relevant topics: regulatory requirements, foreign trade and sanctions law, compliance, public procurement law, tax structuring, and investment protection. With an international presence and multidisciplinary expertise, we offer security and guidance – even for cross-border transactions.

Confidentiality, independence, and the highest IT security standards are a matter of course for us – as is the responsible use of proven technologies. Our goal: not just to accompany transactions, but to pave the way with you for sustainable growth and technological strength.

Our services

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Strategic M&A Consulting

We develop M&A strategies aligned with your corporate and defence strategy. This way, we help you strengthen market positions and unlock synergies along the defence value chain. We advise companies on both the buyer and seller sides.

Our focus areas

  • Strategic Transaction Planning and Goal Definition
  • Market and Competitive Analyses in the Defence Environment
  • Structuring of Joint Ventures and Cooperations
  • Assessment of Synergy Potentials
  • Support for Strategic Partnering Processes

Transaction and due diligence Consulting

Our experts conduct legal, tax, financial, and regulatory reviews specifically tailored to the peculiarities of the defence industry. The goal is transparency, security, and strong decision-making.

Our focus areas

  • Business Valuation and Purchase Price Determination
  • Legal, Tax & Financial Due Diligence / Vendor Due Diligence
  • Review of Approval and Export Control Issues
  • Identification of Compliance and Sanction Risks
  • Valuation of IP, Data, and Technology Rights
  • Recommendations for Risk Minimization
  • Structuring of Acquisition and Divestment Structures and Legal and Tax Aspects

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

We support you in drafting and negotiating purchase, participation, and cooperation agreements – with a focus on legal clarity, commercial efficiency, and the protection of sensitive technologies.

Our focus areas

  • Preparation of Preliminary Documentation (MoU, LoI, Term Sheet, etc.)
  • Purchase and Participation Agreements, other Transaction Documentation
  • Technology Transfer and Licensing Agreements
  • Guarantees, Liability and Warranty Provisions
  • Negotiation of Earn-out and Performance Clauses
  • Tax Clauses
  • Purchase Price Clauses
  • Structuring of Governance Structures

Regulation, FDI & Compliance

In the defence sector, M&A transactions are highly regulated. We guide you safely through foreign trade law reviews, investment controls, and approval procedures.

Our focus areas

  • Investment Control (FDI) and Foreign Trade Law
  • Merger Control/Antitrust Law
  • Export Control, Customs and Sanctions Law
  • Public Procurement and Funding Law
  • Compliance and Corporate Governance Consulting
  • Coordination with Authorities and Ministries

Post-Merger Integration & Restructuring

After closing, the crucial part begins: integration. We support you in the legal, tax, and organizational consolidation – to ensure synergies are realized sustainably.

Our focus areas

  • Integration of Corporate Structures and IP Portfolios
  • Tax and Balance Sheet Structure Optimization
  • Harmonization of Compliance Systems
  • HR and Labor Law Support
  • Restructuring and Reorganization

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