In a landmark move for the European defence industry, John Cockerill announced an exclusive agreement with the Volvo Group in order to acquire the French Arquus.

The Arquus acquisition will strengthen John Cockerill’s footprint in the worldwide land defence market and broaden its portfolio of solutions to include an extensive range of advanced, high-mobility wheeled military vehicles.

This will allow the group to better serve land forces around the world, with one of the highest levels of quality and cost competitiveness in both light tank turrets and military vehicles.

The consolidated operations of John Cockerill Defense and Arquus are targeting an annual turnover of €1 billion and a staffing of 2,000 employees by 2026, with a worldwide presence and major operational bases in Belgium, France, Italy, India, and Saudi Arabia.

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This consolidation shall represent a major step in supporting industrially the tight coordination established for vehicle sourcing programs between the French and Belgian land forces. It also represents a major milestone in the creation of a European defence champion, uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of governments in Belgium, France, Germany, and other partner countries.

This transaction, according to John Cockerill, remains subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions for this type of transaction, including the information and consultation of worker councils and other regulatory approvals.

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