Linklaters advises John Cockerill on its acquisition project of Arquus, a leader in the manufacture of military vehicles in France

Linklaters advises John Cockerill, a significant supplier of tank turrets for light armored vehicles, firing systems, and simulation, in the context of exclusive negotiations with Volvo Group for the acquisition of Arquus, the principal French supplier of military vehicles.

This potential acquisition contributes to strengthening the cooperation between France and Belgium in a strategic sector. The combined operations of John Cockerill Defense and Arquus aim for an annual turnover of €1bn and a workforce of 2,000 professionals by 2026, with a global presence and major operational bases in Belgium, France, Italy, India, and Saudi Arabia.

The consolidation of these two national flagships will represent an important step in industrial support of the close coordination established for vehicle supply programs between the French and Belgian land forces. It also marks a major milestone in the creation of a European defense champion, uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of governments in France, Belgium, Germany, and other partner countries.

The Linklaters team is led by Pierre Tourres, partner, Vera Maramzine, counsel in Corporate/M&A, Yves Moreau, partner in Real Estate Law in Brussels, and composed of Laurine Pryjda, associate in Corporate/M&A, Jean-François Merdrignac, counsel, Laetitia Nicolazzi, senior associate in Intellectual Property, Sonia Cissé, partner, Faustine Piechaud, senior associate in Technology and Data Protection, Athanase de Guitaut, associate in Public Law, Bernd Meyring, partner, Liliane Gam, counsel, and Sari Corrijn, associate in Antitrust and Foreign Investments in Brussels.