The completion of this transaction is contingent upon meeting certain preconditions. Credit: Tobias Arhelger/Shutterstock.

Germany-headquartered Rheinmetall Electronics has expanded its stake in blackned, a Bavarian software company, by purchasing an additional 11% of shares through a share acquisition agreement.  

This move brings Rheinmetall’s total ownership to a controlling interest of 51%, granting it majority control over the firm. Previously, the Bremen-based Rheinmetall division held a 40% interest in the company, acquired in January 2023.  

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This strategic increase in ownership stakes highlights Rheinmetall’s commitment to advancing digital capabilities within the defence sector through innovative IT solutions. 

However, the completion of this transaction is contingent upon meeting certain preconditions and obtaining clearance from the German Federal Cartel Office. 

Established in 2009 and operating from Heimertingen, Bavaria, blackned’s expertise lies in creating software solutions that aid in the digital transformation of military forces.  

The company, which employs approximately 200 people, is reported to be experiencing rapid growth.  

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Rheinmetall executive board chairman Armin Papperger said: “The digitalisation of the armed forces is advancing, also internationally. We want to play a leading role here and are involved in corresponding projects, for example in Australia, the United Kingdom and Hungary.  

“The fact that we are on the right track with digitalisation and by offering convincing solutions is demonstrated by our joint success in the major D-LBO project for the Bundeswehr.” 

In December 2024, a collaborative effort between Rheinmetall and blackned resulted in them securing a contract for the digitisation of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s federal armed forces.   

The partnership aims to integrate IT systems across various land force vehicle and platform systems as part of the D-LBO project.  

Rheinmetall is set to manage a contract volume of approximately €730m ($743.8m), while blackned will contribute around €470m.  

The project’s goal is to implement new technology across more than 10,000 Bundeswehr combat and support vehicles by the mid-2030s. 

In a financial update from November of 2024, Rheinmetall reported a 35.7% increase in sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2024, amounting to €6.3bn, up from €4.6bn in the same period the prior year.  

This surge in revenue was linked to a ‘very dynamic market’ within the military sector, spurred by sustained demand from EU and NATO armed forces and ongoing support for Ukraine.