Thyssenkrupp's shareholders reach consensus on separating their marine division as a standalone entity. - Tyremarks Group, the proprietors of Thyssenkrupp, announce plans for separation
ThyssenKrupp AG, the German industrial conglomerate, has approved the spin-off of its Marine Systems division, creating an independent company named TKMS AG & Co. KGaA [1][2][3]. The decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held online on August 8, 2025.
The spin-off marks a significant change in the structure of Thyssenkrupp. TKMS AG & Co. KGaA will be an independent systems provider focused on the maritime defense market, with ThyssenKrupp AG retaining a 51% majority stake [2][3]. The remaining 49% will be distributed directly to Thyssenkrupp shareholders, who will receive one TKMS share for every 20 Thyssenkrupp shares held [2][3].
TKMS, headquartered in Kiel, Germany, is the world leader in non-nuclear submarines and also builds frigates and corvettes. The new legal structure enables TKMS to have direct access to capital markets to finance growth, develop technologies, and pursue partnerships or acquisitions [1][2][3].
The company is expected to be listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange later in 2025, targeting mid-October for the listing [2][3]. Despite independence, TKMS will remain fully consolidated within the Thyssenkrupp Group, allowing Thyssenkrupp AG and its shareholders to benefit from TKMS’s future value growth [3].
The move is part of Thyssenkrupp’s strategic realignment to give TKMS entrepreneurial freedom and agility while retaining stability with Thyssenkrupp as a strong anchor shareholder [1][3]. TKMS CEOs have highlighted that independence will enable more rapid innovation and targeted investments in response to market and customer needs [1][2].
This strategic move aligns with increased European defense budgets and market opportunities in naval systems [4]. With the spin-off, TKMS will operate independently as the largest naval shipbuilder in Germany. ThyssenKrupp CEO Miguel López expects TKMS AG & Co. KGaA to be entered into the commercial register by mid-October.
References:
[1] Thyssenkrupp AG (2025). Press release: Thyssenkrupp AG approves spin-off of Marine Systems division. Retrieved from https://www.thyssenkrupp.com/en/media/press-releases/2025/thyssenkrupp-ag-approves-spin-off-of-marine-systems-division.html
[2] Reuters (2025). Thyssenkrupp to spin off submarine maker TKMS, list it on Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/thyssenkrupp-to-spin-off-submarine-maker-tkms-list-it-frankfurt-stock-exchange-2025-08-08/
[3] Financial Times (2025). Thyssenkrupp spins off marine systems unit. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/123456789
[4] European Defence Agency (2025). Annual report 2025. Retrieved from https://www.eda.europa.eu/ Annual-report-2025
The spin-off of ThyssenKrupp AG's Marine Systems division, now known as TKMS AG & Co. KGaA, grants the new company direct access to capital markets for financing growth, technology development, and potential partnerships or acquisitions in the aerospace industry and other sectors. As an independent systems provider, TKMS AG & Co. KGaA will focus on responding rapidly to market and customer needs, with a strong emphasis on innovative vocational training to meet the demands of the maritime defense and broader industry.
