Kongsberg Gruppen Proposes Major Restructuring: Maritime Demerger and Defence Consolidation

Strategic Realignment for Global Growth

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, a leading Norwegian technology company, announced on October 30, 2025, a significant restructuring plan aimed at sharpening its strategic focus and enhancing competitiveness in evolving global markets. The proposal involves the demerger and separate stock exchange listing of its Kongsberg Maritime business, alongside the consolidation of its Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery units into a single, technology- and defence-focused entity.

The company's board believes that establishing two independent and specialized companies will better position them to seize global growth opportunities, particularly in areas driven by security and sustainability trends. According to Eivind Reiten, Chair of the Board of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, 'This will further strengthen competitiveness in our efforts to create value in a world where security and sustainability are expected to dominate in the coming decades.'

Kongsberg Maritime to Become Independent Publicly Traded Company

Under the proposed plan, Kongsberg Maritime will be spun off and listed as an independent company on the Euronext Oslo Stock Exchange. The demerger will be structured such that shares in the new maritime company, referred to as 'MAR,' will be issued directly to existing Kongsberg Gruppen shareholders on a one-for-one basis, without raising new capital. The Norwegian state, which holds a 50% stake in Kongsberg Gruppen, has expressed its support for the transaction, and its ownership proportion is expected to remain unchanged.

Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, currently President of Kongsberg Maritime, is slated to lead the new maritime business as its President and CEO. Mette Toft Bjørgen, the current CFO of Kongsberg Gruppen, will assume the role of CFO for the new maritime entity. Kongsberg Maritime will continue to focus on its leading technology position, offering products and integrated solutions across various segments, including offshore vessels, the merchant fleet, and the naval sector.

Consolidation of Defence & Aerospace and Discovery Units

The restructuring also involves consolidating Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery into a single, unified technology- and defence-focused company that will retain the Kongsberg name. This consolidated entity will address critical needs in defence, security, and surveillance, delivering solutions for both civilian and defence applications. Eirik Lie, currently President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, will become the President and CEO of the restructured Kongsberg Gruppen following the completion of the demerger.

The company noted that its operating revenues have tripled since 2016, reaching 15,000 employees by the third quarter of 2025, with revenues and results now relatively evenly distributed between the two proposed business areas. This growth and financial robustness enable both entities to operate independently.

Anticipated Timeline

The indicative timeline for the restructuring includes the publication of the demerger plan in December 2025. An Extraordinary General Meeting for shareholder approval is expected to be held in January 2026. The completion of the demerger and the listing of Kongsberg Maritime shares on the Euronext Oslo Stock Exchange are scheduled for April 2026, within the second quarter of the year. Both new companies will maintain their headquarters in Norway.