(pressebox) (Düsseldorf, Germany, 2024-08-02) Rheinmetall is to expand its plant engineering portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in the business of Resonant Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African specialist in plant engineering for chemical applications. An agreement to this effect has now been signed. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH will hold 51% of the shares in a newly formed joint venture Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa, and the current Resonant Holding shareholders will possess the remaining 49%. The company to be founded expects an annual sales potential of more than EUR 100 million.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction and the final company name are still subject to customary regulatory approvals. The planned acquisition is Rheinmetall's response to the growing global demand in the ammunition sector and the resulting customer requirements for the construction of corresponding production facilities. Rheinmetall is therefore significantly expanding its existing capabilities in ammunition production by vertically integrating further competences, thus positioning itself even more robustly for the independent planning, construction and operation of production facilities for the manufacture of chemical products such as propellant powder and explosives.

Resonant Holdings employs around 150 people and brings proven experience and outstanding expertise in designing and constructing specialised plants. This includes production facilities for chemical and explosives products. Resonant's leading expertise complements Rheinmetall's plant engineering capabilities, particularly in the fields of chemical, energetic, and explosives technology, industrialization, and manufacturing. This expands Rheinmetall's ability to offer a comprehensive range of services, including the design, construction and commissioning of state-of-the-art plants tailored to the specific needs of our global partners.

At the same time, the partnership offers Resonant a strong global reach, industry expansion and access to new markets. The combined expertise of both entities will drive innovation and efficiency, delivering unparalleled value to customers. Rheinmetall aims to preserve the company’s existing technology and workforce.

The planned acquisition of Resonant Holdings underscores Rheinmetall's dedication to expanding its technological capabilities and delivering state-of-theart solutions to its partners. This strategic acquisition of the controlling stake ensures that Rheinmetall remains at the forefront of innovation in the engineering and defence industries, providing unparalleled expertise and comprehensive solutions.