Global, Ground War
Arquus and PT Pindad VAB MK3 armored personnel carrier (ANOA 3) on display at Indodefense (Arquus Defense on X)
PARIS — Arcus, one of France’s two largest military vehicle manufacturers, will be transferred to its current ownership by Belgian technology company John Cockerill Group after mandatory consultations with employee representative bodies and other regulatory authorities. The company will be acquired from the Volvo Group for approximately 300 million euros (328 million euros). Approved.
These discussions are expected to be completed by the end of March, Volvo said in a statement on Monday.
John Cockerill is a leading supplier of light tank turrets, firing and simulation systems. CEO François Michel said in a company statement: “John Cockerill’s anticipated acquisition of Arcus is a transformational step for the European defense sector in the field of light tanks.” The combined offering of light tank turrets and vehicles from John Cockerill Defense and Arcus will create important synergies and enable more innovative solutions to equip land forces around the world, including in Belgium, France and other partner countries. will result in a more competitive vehicle. ”
The statement also said that the prospective acquisition would not only contribute to “strengthening French-Belgian cooperation in strategic areas” but also “strengthen the group’s footprint in the global land defense market and expand its solutions portfolio, including a wide range of solutions.” We aim to expand.” A variety of advanced and highly maneuverable wheeled military vehicles. ”
John Cockerill said the deal aims to generate annual sales of 1 billion euros ($109 billion). The group’s defense forces employ around 2,000 people and have major operational bases in Belgium, France, Italy, India and Saudi Arabia, the company said.
This is the second time Volvo Group has attempted to sell its only defense division, which in 2022 “accounted for around 1 percent of Volvo Group’s revenues,” the group said. The first attempt in 2017 failed because there were no potential buyers. Volvo Group acquired what was then Renault Truck Defense in 2001.
The John Cockerill Group has been owned since 2002 by French businessman Bernard Seran, who serves as its chairman. We develop large-scale technology solutions in the energy, defense, industrial, environmental, transportation and infrastructure sectors. The company has more than 6,000 employees in 24 countries on five continents and announced sales of 1.046 billion euros ($1.14 billion) in 2022.
By comparison, Arquus, which employs 1,260 people, expects sales of 550 million euros ($601 million) in 2022 in a tough export market with strong competition from Korean and Turkish manufacturers. ) reported a decrease of 7% compared to 2021. It played a role alongside Nexstar and Thales in the French Army’s Scorpion program, producing the next generation of wheeled armored vehicles: the Griffon, Jaguar and Serval.
Arquus is responsible for all development and manufacturing related to the mobility (engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, etc.), power generation systems, testing and turrets of these vehicles. Arcus is also responsible for managing all spare parts for his three companies, a temporary joint venture set up to manage the Scorpion, and ensuring that the military gets them on time. Arquus also manufactures trucks equipped with Nexter-made Caesar 155mm gun systems.
From a geopolitical perspective, this acquisition is a logical step in Europe’s divided land military field.
France and Belgium have signed a defense partnership agreement known as CaMo (capacité motorisée, or motorized capability), which aims to ensure that both armies have the same equipment and similar doctrine. As part of the agreement, Belgium is acquiring 382 Griffons, 60 Jaguars, and 28 Caesar truck-mounted gun systems.
Last month, Arquus and KNDS France (previously known as Nexter), together with John Cockerill, announced a €15 million ($16.3 million) development program for the Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle program known as VBAE (véhicle Blindé d’). signed a contract to start. aideàl’engagement) to complement other his CaMo vehicles. Approximately 2,000 VBAE units will be built, of which France will purchase 1,440 units and Belgium will purchase the remainder.
In addition, John Cockerill Defense already has production sites in North East France in Dystrophe and Guénanges, and is based at Campus Cockerill in Commercy.
Volvo announced that it will record an operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2023 on a deal valued at approximately 900 million Swedish crowns ($87.44 million).